KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is a great loss to the Islamic world, but his spirit of struggle will not fade, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid expressed sorrow upon receiving the news of the passing of a friend, leader, and fighter, along with his bodyguard who was martyred in the attack in Tehran.
"This loss (of Ismail Haniyeh) will certainly inspire the ongoing struggle of future generations to achieve justice and freedom for the Palestinian people," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said that whenever Ismail visited Malaysia, they would always meet and share the joys and sorrows of the struggle to free Palestine.
He added that the Hamas leader often provided advice and encouragement to him to continue helping and contributing in both victory and defeat.
"Rest, my friend. Relieve your fatigue and weariness. Your loss will undoubtedly ignite our spirit. Your martyrdom will birth millions of Mujahideen for our Ummah (Muslim community) until the goal is achieved. A free, independent and sovereign Palestine," wrote Ahmad Zahid.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu also expressed on his Facebook that the spirit of the Hamas leader's struggle will continue to burn among those who yearn for justice and peace.
Ismail, he said, was not only a close friend but also a leader who tirelessly fought for the well-being and freedom of the Palestinian people under continuous pressure and oppression by Israel.
He added that Ismail dedicated his entire life to fighting for human rights and justice for the Palestinian people, often facing extraordinary challenges with courage and determination.
"We will all remember his service with an undying spirit and continue to condemn the unjust actions by Israel.
"May the soul of Ismail be blessed, and may his family and the Palestinian fighters be given the strength to endure this time of sorrow," said Mohamad.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin extended his condolences to the Palestinian people over the loss, saying that Haniyeh's struggle to liberate Palestine from any form of occupation and invasion will certainly be remembered.
He also emphasised Malaysia's stand to continue supporting the struggle and liberation of Palestine and its people, who have the right to determine their own destiny and live peacefully in their homeland.
"I believe Malaysians and all those following the developments in Palestine also share in the grief," he said in a Facebook post.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, in a Facebook post, described Haniyeh's assassination as a cowardly act that will not go unanswered.
"Be at peace, Al-Qaid. We will continue to fight for the freedom of Palestinian land. Al-Fatihah," he said.
Also sharing his sorrow, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar prayed for Haniyeh to be blessed and forgiven by Allah and to be placed in paradise among the righteous servants.
Anadolu Agency (AA) reported that Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran today.
Iranian television also reported Haniyeh's death, stating that an investigation into the murder is underway and results will be announced soon. However, no immediate announcement was made by Israel regarding the incident.
Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran’s newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday (July 30).
-- BERNAMA
