PETALING JAYA - The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is a despicable murder that is aimed at stalling ongoing truce talks in the Gaza conflict that has been ongoing since last year, said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

       Datuk Seri Anwar strongly condemned the murder of Haniyeh, who was Hamas’ political bureau chairman.

       “This was a murder of the most heinous kind, plainly designed to derail ongoing talks aimed at ending the carnage in Gaza that has claimed over 40,000 lives,” he said on Facebook on July 31.

       “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.”

       Mr Anwar said he is deeply concerned about how the assassination would affect Palestinians, who have been subjected to decades of pain, hardship and suffering.

       “Detractors who have criticised me for meeting Ismail in the past, fail to appreciate his profound desire for a peaceful Middle East and a Palestinian nation restored to its rightful dignity.

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       “I mourn the loss of a dear friend and a valiant advocate for his people. Al-Fatihah,” he said.

       Hamas said on July 31 that Israel attacked Haniyeh’s residence in Teheran, Iran.

       He was in Teheran to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian on July 30.

       Also present in Iran was speaker of Malaysia’s Parliament Johari Abdul, representing Malaysia at the inauguration ceremony.

       Malaysia’s foreign ministry said Tan Sri Johari, and other members of the Malaysian delegation in Teheran, are safe.

       “Malaysia unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, including targeted assassination, and urges all peace-loving nations to join in denouncing such acts,” said Malaysia’s foreign ministry.

       It added that the assassination underscores the need for de-escalation and reinforces the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK