EU calls for ‘maximum restraint’ after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination
The European Union (EU) has urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas. This development has heightened international concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East, potentially derailing ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
An EU spokesperson emphasized the importance of restraint to prevent further escalation. Peter Stano, the European Commission’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, stated, “We call on all parties to exert maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation. No country and no nation stand to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.”
Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a predawn airstrike in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas immediately attributed the attack to Israel, declaring Haniyeh a “martyr.” The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, warned that the assassination would have significant repercussions across the region and criticized Israel for “expanding the circle of aggression.”
Regional and international reactions
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised a “hard punishment” for Israel, stating, “We consider his revenge as our duty.” This strong rhetoric indicates potential further conflicts in the region.
Countries like Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, and Oman have condemned the operation, expressing concerns that it would jeopardize months-long mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire. China and Russia, allies of Iran, also criticized the assassination.
The White House reported no prior knowledge of the airstrike and echoed calls for de-escalation. This aligns with the EU’s stance against extrajudicial killings and support for international criminal justice.
The assassination has escalated tensions amid the ongoing low-level conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Shortly before Haniyeh’s death, the Israeli military struck Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander in retaliation for an earlier attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Future of Gaza ceasefire negotiations
Haniyeh played a crucial role in the negotiations based on a three-phase deal proposed by US President Joe Biden to end the war in Gaza. His death casts doubt on the future of these talks and the potential for a ceasefire.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has intensified international concerns about escalating violence in the Middle East. The EU and other global powers are calling for maximum restraint to prevent further conflict, and maintain fragile hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The international community remains on edge as the situation unfolds, with significant implications for regional stability.
