ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Condemning the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief for Hamas who was killed in Tehran on Wednesday, the Kurdistan Region Presidency and the Iraqi government warn against regional destabilization. “We see this dangerous development with deep concern,” the Kurdish presidency said in a statement, adding that “further complication of the situation will threaten the stability of the entire region and will be followed by worse repercussions and developments.” Iranian media reported that the Palestinian leader was killed at around 2 am local time at his residence in Tehran on Wednesday. Hamas has blamed Israel. Haniyeh was elected Hamas political bureau chief in 2017, succeeding Khaled Mashaal. He previously served as Palestinian prime minister, assuming the post in 2006 following an upset victory in parliamentary elections against rival Fatah. Against the backdrop of soaring tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, Haniyeh’s death has drawn international condemnation. “The Zionist entity [Israel] has once again violated the sovereignty of nations and disregarded international laws by committing assassination crimes and targeting a political figure. This act aims to ignite crises and expand conflicts, which will inevitably lead to severe consequences in the region,” Basim al-Awadi, spokesperson for the Iraqi government, said in a statement. “These actions contribute to heightened tensions and continue the genocidal war against the resilient Palestinian people, violating all ethical and humanitarian standards,” he added, calling on the United Nations Security Council to “fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security.” Iran’s representative to the UN has called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council.
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