President Jokowi Condemns Assassination of Hamas Leader Haniyeh as Acts of Violence
Indonesian President Joko Widodo condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as an “act of violence and murder” occurring in Iran. Following the incident, Japan called for de-escalation in the Middle East amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to significant Palestinian casualties. The international community is urging for accountability and peace efforts in the region.
On Thursday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, expressed his strong condemnation regarding the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, labeling this act as “an act of violence and murder that cannot be tolerated” occurring within Iran’s sovereign territory, as reported by the Anadolu Agency. Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted his residence in Tehran on Wednesday morning, following his attendance at the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israel has not officially acknowledged its involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alluded to their potential role. President Jokowi reiterated that such actions on Iranian soil are “unacceptable,” stating, “I believe everyone, including Indonesia, condemns such violence and murder.” In related international reactions, Japan has urged for the prevention of further escalation in the Middle East in light of Haniyeh’s assassination. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the importance of avoiding retaliatory attacks and de-escalating the situation while noting that Japan is currently verifying the facts of the incident. He reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to making “full diplomatic efforts” to mitigate any worsening of circumstances. Amid ongoing conflict, Israel has faced international backlash for its military operations in Gaza, deemed by many as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions advocating for an immediate ceasefire. Reports indicate that since the onset of hostilities stemming from a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the violence has resulted in over 39,445 Palestinian casualties and left vast areas of Gaza devastated due to a stringent blockade limiting essential resources such as food and medical care.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Since the beginning of hostilities, which escalated following a Hamas attack on Israeli territory, the conflict has led to a staggering number of Palestinian casualties and raised concerns regarding human rights violations. The international community, observing these developments with concern, has reacted with calls for de-escalation and adherence to international laws. The incident involving Haniyeh, a prominent figure in Hamas and a supporter of anti-Israel sentiments, reflects the fraught tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions, and it poses significant implications for regional stability, particularly in relation to Iran, Hamas’s ally.
In summary, President Joko Widodo of Indonesia condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which he described as an intolerable act of violence and murder that occurred on Iranian soil. This incident has drawn international attention, prompting reactions from various countries, including Japan, which called for de-escalation in the region. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, characterized by high civilian casualties and humanitarian crises, remains a central issue. The international community continues to call for accountability and a resolution to the violence, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to restore peace.
Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com