The Kremlin has expressed strong condemnation of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, following the militant group's announcement of his death early Wednesday.
Hamas reported that Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli attack while attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The group vowed retaliation, stating that the killing would "not go unanswered."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked, “We believe such actions undermine efforts to establish peace in the region and could greatly destabilize an already tense situation.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, declaring that the organizers of the assassination must have known the serious repercussions it could have for the region. The Ministry also called on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid worsening the security situation.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov earlier warned that Haniyeh's death might escalate into a broader regional conflict, describing the assassination as "absolutely unacceptable" and predicting further tension.
Russia's condemnation aligns with statements from China, Turkey, Qatar, and other countries. Meanwhile, Western governments, including the United States and Australia, have advocated for de-escalation in the Middle East.
In the wake of the assassination, Iran’s leadership convened an emergency meeting at the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Tehran responded with a threatening message towards Israel: "Israel will pay a heavy price."
The terrorist organization Hamas joined in with threats against Israel. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri spoke to Al-Arabiya TV and stated: "Israel should understand that there will be a response to this action."