Following the martyrdom of the great fighter and Mujahid Mr Ismail Haniyeh, Head of the Hamas Political Bureau, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, conveyed a message of condolence to the Islamic community, the Resistance Front, and the proud people of Palestine on the martyrdom of this brave leader and distinguished fighter. He said, "The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime has paved the way for a severe punishment upon itself with this action, and we consider it our duty to seek revenge for him having been martyred within the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The text of the message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution is as follows:

In the Name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

Indeed, we are from Allah and unto Him we are Returning

Dear People of Iran,

This morning, the brave leader and prominent Palestinian freedom fighter, Mr Ismail Haniyeh, has united with the Presence of Allah, and the great Resistance Front is in mourning. The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our esteemed guest in our own home and caused us grief, but it has also set the stage for its severe punishment.

Martyr Haniyeh devoted his precious life with great distinction in the field of honourable struggle for years and was ready for martyrdom and had offered his children and loved ones in this cause. He had no fear of martyrdom in the path of God and the salvation of God's servants, but in this bitter and difficult incident that has occurred within the borders of the Islamic Republic, we consider avenging his blood to be our duty.

I extend my condolences to the Islamic Ummah, to the Resistance Front, to the brave and dignified people of Palestine, and especially to the family and survivors of Martyr Haniyeh and one of his companions who was martyred with him. I supplicate to God Almighty to elevate their ranks.

Seyyid Ali Khamenei

31 July 2024 / 25 Muharram 1446