TEHRAN- The Iranian ambassador and permanent representative to the UN office in Geneva has issued a strong condemnation of the inhumane actions of the Zionist regime, particularly highlighting the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. 

In a correspondence addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, and Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Ali Bahraini articulated that Iran views Hamas as a liberation organization dedicated to the freedom and independence of Palestine. 

Bahraini stated, “The assassination of Hamas leaders is intended to undermine the resolve of the Palestinian people in their quest to end the occupation and secure their right to self-determination.” 

He further asserted that Israel's efforts to eliminate Palestinian leaders are aimed at erasing the political identity of the Palestinian people and their fundamental right to establish an independent state. 

Bahraini pointed out, “Following Article 2.1 of the International Convention to Prevent the Financing of Terrorism, the institutions of the Zionist regime should be classified as terrorist entities.” 

He elaborated that the actions of the Israeli regime against civilians and Palestinians exemplify terrorism. Additionally, he characterized Haniyeh’s assassination as a severe breach of international law. 

Bahreini remarked that Ismail Haniyeh was martyred in a cowardly assassination by the Zionist regime, noting that the Israeli government under Netanyahu is not interested in a ceasefire.

Ismail Haniyeh was martyred on July 31 while residing in the Iranian capital for President Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony.