Palestinians protest in West Bank after Hamas leader’s assassination

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) – Palestinians staged protests across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday to condemn the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Hamas blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s assassination in the Iranian capital Tehran, but Tel Aviv has not yet confirmed or denied its involvement.

Protesters waved Palestinian flags and Hamas banners as they marched in Ramallah city amid chants in support of resistance groups against the Israeli occupation, according to an Anadolu reporter.

Similar protests were staged in several cities in the West Bank, including Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarem, Tubas and Qalqilya.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday condemned Haniyeh’s assassination, called it a "dangerous development," and announced a one-day national mourning.

Abbas called on the Palestinian people "to unite, be patient and steadfast in the face of the Israeli occupation."

Haniyeh’s assassination came as Israel continued its devastating military campaign in the Gaza Strip that killed more than 39,400 and injured over 91,000 since Oct. 7, 2023 following a Hamas attack.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar