TEHRAN – The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas, has sparked widespread condemnation and concern over escalating regional tensions.

Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his residence in Tehran early Wednesday morning.

Russia condemns ‘unacceptable political murder’

Russia has strongly denounced the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov called it an "unacceptable political murder" and warned that it would significantly heighten regional tensions and negatively impact ongoing negotiations in Doha.

China expresses serious concern

China has voiced its strong opposition to the assassination. "We are highly concerned about the incident and firmly oppose and condemn the assassination," said foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian. 

He called for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Turkey denounces the ‘heinous’ act

Turkey's Foreign Ministry described the assassination as "heinous" and criticized the Israeli government, accusing it of having no intention to pursue peace. 

The ministry emphasized that this act underscores the Israeli administration's lack of commitment to peaceful resolutions.

"With condolences to the heroic nation of Palestine and the Islamic nation and the combatants of the Resistance Front and the noble nation of Iran, this morning (Wednesday) the residence of Mr. Dr. Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political office of the Islamic Resistance of Hamas, was hit in Tehran, and following this incident, he and one of his bodyguards were martyred," the statement released by the Turkish ministry reads.

Malaysia calls for justice and restraint

Malaysia condemned the assassination, urging for an immediate and thorough investigation. 

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry called for all parties to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation, reiterating their support for the Palestinian struggle for justice and self-determination.

Pakistan expresses deep concern

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry extended condolences to Haniyeh's family and the people of Palestine, condemning the assassination as reckless and a threat to regional stability. 

The ministry highlighted the timing of the attack, coinciding with the inauguration of Iran's president, and viewed it as a dangerous escalation by Israel.

Iraq warns of regional instability

Iraq's Foreign Ministry condemned the assassination, describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability. 

The Al-Nujaba movement in Iraq stated that this act, along with other recent attacks, would only strengthen their determination to resist.

Hezbollah vows continued resistance

The Lebanese Hezbollah movement condemned the assassination, stating it would only strengthen their resolve against Israel. 

Hezbollah emphasized that Haniyeh's death would reinforce the bond between Iran, Palestine, and the Resistance Front.

Yemen's Ansarullah movement condemns violation

Yemen's Ansarullah movement condemned the assassination, describing it as a clear violation of international law. 

Egypt highlights complications in peace efforts

Egypt's Foreign Ministry expressed grave concerns about the assassination's impact on regional stability.

"The coincidence of this regional escalation with the lack of progress in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza increases the complexity of the situation and indicates the absence of Israeli political will to calm it down," the ministry stated, emphasizing the adverse effect on efforts to end the conflict and alleviate Palestinian suffering.

Qatar questions mediation viability

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key figure in mediation efforts, questioned the possibility of successful negotiations in light of the assassination. 

"Political assassinations and continued targeting of civilians in Gaza while talks continue leads us to ask, how can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side? Peace needs serious partners," he wrote on X.

Sri Lanka condemns the assassination

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe strongly condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. 

"President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his strong condemnation of the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and stated unequivocally that he will never condone such actions," stated the presidential media service on X.

Reports released details of the attack, highlighting that Haniyeh was killed in Tehran at around 2:00 AM, while visiting for the inauguration of Iran's president.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has sparked a unified outcry from various international actors, raising alarms about the potential for increased violence and instability in West Asia.