Beijing has issued a strong condemnation of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, warning that the incident could plunge the region into deeper chaos.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed Beijing’s strong opposition to the assassination and conveyed deep concerns about potential further turmoil in the region.

"China has always advocated resolving regional disputes through negotiation and dialogue," Lin stated. He reiterated China's call for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Hamas announced on Wednesday that Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Iran, where he had been attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The incident marks a significant setback for Hamas and raises concerns over future negotiations with Israel amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination, although Israel has yet to officially comment. Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, denounced the assassination, promising that the Islamic Republic would defend its territorial integrity and honor, and making the "terrorist occupiers" regret their actions.

Mousa Abu Marzook, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, vowed to avenge Haniyeh’s martyrdom, declaring that the "cowardly" assassination would not go unanswered.

The attack has also drawn reactions from Middle Eastern countries. Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned Haniyeh's killing as a dangerous escalation, stating that it could lead to further regional chaos and undermine peace efforts.

Haniyeh played a crucial role as a key interlocutor with Egyptian and Qatari mediators during stalled hostage and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. His assassination occurred less than 24 hours after Israel claimed to have killed Hezbollah’s top military commander in Beirut, further igniting fears of wider conflict in the region. (ILKHA)