KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of prominent Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who died in a recent attack in Iran.
In a Facebook post, Zahid described the profound sadness he felt upon receiving the news.
"There are no words to describe the sadness in my heart today upon hearing the news of the passing of a friend, leader, and warrior, Ismail Hamiyeh, the Hamas chief, and his bodyguard who were martyred in the attack."
Zahid reminisced about his frequent meetings with Hamiyeh during his visits, during which they shared stories of the struggles and triumphs in the fight for Palestinian freedom.
"He was a figure who provided much advice and encouragement for me to continue assisting and contributing, whether in times of defeat or victory.
"A great loss for the Islamic world; however, his fighting spirit will not fade, and this loss will surely ignite the fervour of the next generation's struggle to achieve justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.
"Rest, my friend. May your fatigue and exhaustion be lifted. Your loss will surely ignite the spirit of millions of warriors in our community until the goal is achieved - a free, independent, and sovereign Palestine," he added.
Haniyeh was killed along with a bodyguard in an Israeli strike at his residence in Iran earlier today.
Hamas announced his death, saying in a statement: "Brother, leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his residence in Tehran after he participated in the inauguration of the new (Iranian) president."