Ramallah, July 31 — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has strongly condemned the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political wing of Hamas. The incident reportedly occurred during Haniyeh's visit to Iran, where he was attending the inauguration of Iran's new president, Massoud Pezeshkian. The Palestinian news agency Wafa News released the statement on Wednesday, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

In his statement, President Abbas described the assassination as a cowardly act and expressed concern that the killing would exacerbate the ongoing crisis in the region. He called on the Palestinian people to remain united, patient, and persistent in the face of Israeli occupation.

Abbas's remarks highlight the potential for increased tensions following Haniyeh's death, which could further complicate the already volatile situation in the region. The Hamas leader had been a significant political figure within the Palestinian territories and had traveled to Tehran to participate in diplomatic engagements.

The Palestinian president's call for unity comes at a critical juncture, as the Palestinian territories navigate a complex political landscape marked by internal divisions and external pressures. Abbas's condemnation of the assassination underscores the broader implications for regional stability and the peace process.

The incident is expected to draw international attention and raise questions about the security and political dynamics in the Middle East. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the response from various stakeholders and the potential impact on peace efforts in the region.