Indonesian President Joko Widodo condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as an “act of violence and murder.” His remarks followed a declaration from Hamas and Iran about Haniyeh’s death due to an Israeli airstrike in Tehran. Global reactions include Japan’s call for de-escalation in the Middle East amid heightened tensions and significant civilian casualties in Gaza.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, recognized colloquially as Jokowi, issued a vigorous denunciation of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, which occurred in Tehran. He characterized the incident as an “act of violence and murder” that is intolerable, as reported by Anadolu Agency. President Jokowi remarked, “It is an act of violence and murder that cannot be tolerated, and it occurred within Iran’s sovereign territory,” according to Jakarta Globe. On the preceding Wednesday morning, both Hamas and Iranian officials declared that Haniyeh had been killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran, mere hours after his attendance at the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israel has refrained from making formal comments regarding Haniyeh’s death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a possible involvement of Tel Aviv in the assassination, raising tensions further. President Jokowi stressed that such military actions within the sovereign borders of Iran are beyond the bounds of acceptable conduct. He expressed, “I believe everyone, including Indonesia, condemns such violence and murder.” In a related international response, Japan’s government has also urged for a cessation of escalating tensions in the Middle East in light of Haniyeh’s assassination. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated, “What is important is to avoid retaliatory attacks and de-escalate the situation,” while noting that Tokyo is in the process of verifying all facts before taking further action. This assassination comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties. According to local health authorities, at least 39,445 Palestinians have died, predominantly women and children, with over 91,000 suffering injuries since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023. The devastation and resultant humanitarian crisis has prompted accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice, particularly regarding its actions in Rafah, where many displaced individuals sought refuge. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has further engaged with public sentiment over Haniyeh’s death, demonstrating the profound impact that this event has on regional dynamics.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, has further complicated ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Israel’s military actions in Palestinian territories. The incident has triggered vocal condemnation from leaders around the globe, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who pointedly criticized the violation of Iranian sovereignty. This event coincides with a broader Palestinian humanitarian crisis resulting from Israeli military operations, which have raised alarms about international human rights violations.
In summary, the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has drawn widespread condemnation from international leaders, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who labeled it an intolerable act of violence. Japan has also called for restraint in response to the rising tensions. This incident not only highlights the perilous state of Middle Eastern geopolitical relations but also exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for urgent international attention and action.
Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com
