KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban has condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political wing of Hamas, calling it a “significant loss to the Islamic Ummah and the jihadist cause.”
In a statement, the Taliban called on influential parties, particularly within Islamic and Arab world, to intensify their efforts to thwart the “Zionist invasion” and its “associated atrocities.”
Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, the capital of Iran, early on Wednesday, July 31. Hamas and the Islamic Republic announced that Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack, while Israel has not yet confirmed its involvement.
Following the incident, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed “severe punishment” against Israel and declared three days of national mourning.
“The criminal, terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our territory and has caused our grief, but it has also prepared the ground for a severe punishment,” Khamenei said.
The Taliban praised Haniyeh for his activities, describing him as a “distinguished, wise, and resolute” Palestinian leader who made significant sacrifices in his struggle and jihad.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his grieving family, the leadership of Hamas, and the Mujahideen who continue to resist the Zionist invaders,” the Taliban said
“The Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan [Taliban] regards defending Hamas and the sacred land of Palestine as both an Islamic and humanitarian duty,” it added.
The Taliban and Hamas have maintained a close relationship, with Hamas having congratulated the Taliban on their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 and praised the regime for ending the “US occupation” and taking power in the country.
Since then, Haniyeh met with several Taliban authorities, including Mullah Baradar, the Taliban Deputy Prime Minister, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the group’s foreign minister, in Tehran in May.
A day before his assassination, he met with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, at the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran.
