HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman and Mersin Member of Parliament Faruk Dinç paid tribute to former Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh on the second anniversary of his assassination, describing him as one of the foremost symbols of the Palestinian resistance.

Speaking at a press conference at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Dinç commemorated Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Iran in July 2024 in an attack widely attributed to Israel. He described Haniyeh as the legitimate political leader of the Palestinian people and a figure who dedicated his life to defending the rights of Palestinians and resisting Israeli occupation.

'He Remained Steadfast Until the End'

Dinç said Haniyeh had made immense personal sacrifices throughout his life, noting that several of his children and grandchildren were killed in Israeli airstrikes during the war on Gaza.

"Ismail Haniyeh sacrificed his sons, his grandchildren, and many members of his family for the cause of Palestine, for Gaza, and for Al-Quds (Jerusalem)," Dinç said.

"Despite enduring unimaginable personal loss, he never abandoned his people or his principles. He remained steadfast, stood with dignity, and continued his struggle against what he described as the genocidal policies of the Zionist occupation."

Haniyeh, one of Hamas's most prominent political leaders for decades, played a central role in Palestinian politics, serving as Palestinian prime minister following the 2006 legislative elections before becoming head of Hamas's Political Bureau. Throughout his political career, he consistently advocated for Palestinian self-determination, an end to the Israeli occupation, the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, and the realization of Palestinian national rights.

'Gaza Must Never Be Forgotten'

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Dinç said Israel has continued its military campaign despite ceasefire efforts, accusing it of committing ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian population.

"For nearly three years, the occupying Israeli regime has ignored international law, humanitarian principles and repeated calls from the international community while continuing its military offensive in Gaza," he said.

"Although periods of ceasefire have been announced, the suffering of the Palestinian people has not ended. Israeli attacks, forced displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the killing of women and children have continued."

Dinç stressed that Gaza must remain at the center of international attention and urged governments, civil society organizations and human rights advocates to continue speaking out.

"Gaza must never, under any circumstances, disappear from the global agenda. The cries of the oppressed Palestinian people must continue to be heard in every international forum."

Criticism of International Silence

The HÜDA PAR deputy also criticized what he described as the failure of many governments to take meaningful action against Israel despite mounting civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis.

"The greatest failure belongs to those who witness these crimes yet remain silent," he said. "Those who refuse to impose sanctions or hold Israel accountable share responsibility through their inaction."

Tribute to Ismail Haniyeh's Legacy

Dinç concluded by honoring Haniyeh's legacy, describing him as a leader who devoted his life to the Palestinian cause despite decades of exile, repeated assassination attempts, and the loss of numerous family members during the conflict.

"We once again commemorate the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh," he said. "For Muslims, martyrdom is among the highest ranks, and Haniyeh will be remembered as a leader who remained committed to the Palestinian cause until his final breath."

Haniyeh's assassination in July 2024 drew widespread condemnation across much of the Muslim world and prompted renewed calls from Palestinian factions and their supporters for international accountability and an end to Israel's military operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. (ILKHA)