KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that there were “elements of sabotage” in Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh’s killing in Iran amid ongoing ceasefire talks between Palestine and Israel.
In a phone conversation with Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim, Anwar said Ismail had been a pillar behind Palestine’s fight for a peace agreement to ensure Palestine’s liberation from Israeli occupation.
“Clearly, there are elements of sabotage. They do not want a peaceful resolution,” Anwar said in the call, a recording of which was posted on his social media pages.
In response to Basem’s assertion that Ismail’s efforts to end the aggression against Palestinians by signing a ceasefire were consistently met by “excuses to postpone or undermine” such attempts, Anwar said: “I agree.”
“I must convey, not only on behalf of my family, but I think everyone here is in a state of shock and really angry that the international community has failed us in terms of championing peace and justice in defending the rights and aspirations (of Palestinians),” the prime minister added.
In the caption of the post, Anwar said Ismail’s murder was of the most heinous kind and plainly designed to derail ongoing talks aimed at ending the carnage in Gaza that has claimed over 40,000 lives.
“It is patently clear that this could only have been carried out in an environment of utter impunity. Only the heedless and unconscionable will not see the need to intensify pressure on Israel to stop their murderous rampage.”
Anwar also expressed concern over how the tragedy could affect Palestinians, adding, “Detractors who have criticised me for meeting with (Ismail) in the past fail to appreciate his profound desire for a peaceful Middle East and a Palestinian nation restored to its rightful dignity.”
“I mourn the loss of a dear friend and a valiant advocate for his people. Al-Fatihah.”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian cabinet has since strongly condemned Ismail’s killing while reaffirming its support for the Palestinian struggle.
In a statement today, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the cabinet is calling for an immediate investigation into Ismail’s death to ensure that those involved are held responsible for the incident.
Wisma Putra also said Ismail’s assassination underscores the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforces the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions.
Similarly urging for a probe into the matter, the Foreign Ministry also called on all parties to exercise restraint while facts surrounding the assassination are being established.
“Malaysia unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, including targeted assassination, and urges all peace-loving nations to join in denouncing such acts,” it said in a statement.
Neither statements mentioned Israel’s alleged role in Ismail’s assassination, nor has the Zionist regime publicly commented on his death.
Earlier today, it was reported that Ismail, along with one of his bodyguards, were killed after the building they were residing in Tehran was attacked.
Iran’s state media had announced the killings early this morning, with the nation’s Revolutionary Guard issuing a statement expressing its condolences over the incident.
Ismail, who has been living in Qatar, was in Iran for the swearing-in of the Islamic republic’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who had stated his support of Hamas in Gaza.
Ismail’s death follows the murder of three of his sons and four grandchildren to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on April 10. – July 31, 2024