ALOR STAR: International relations experts and analysts have condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, fearing it would further escalate tensions in the Middle East.
Universiti Utara Malaysia Institute of Excellence for Islamic Jerusalem Studies (IEIJS) director Dr Aminurraasyid Yatiban described the killing of Haniyeh in Tehran as a deliberate act of heinous provocation and humiliation directed at Iran.
"Israel carried out this action during a critical event in Iran, targeting a prominent figure. This suggests they are capable of even more severe actions at any time.
"This assassination in Iran could lead to chaos and confusion amongst Muslims. Some are already blaming Iran for 'negligence' and even accusing the Iranians of colluding with the Zionists," he told the New Straits Times.
Aminurraasyid pointed out that Israel acted out of desperation, given that Haniyeh and Hamas had successfully led efforts to unify Palestinian factions, including Fatah, with China's mediation.
"The assassination of Haniyeh is intended to halt Hamas' progress. It's a clear warning to Fatah and a signal for China to distance themselves from Hamas," he said.
UUM political analyst Professor Dr Azizuddin Mohd Sani concurred, labeling Haniyeh's assassination as a deliberate provocation by the Israeli regime to entangle Iran further into the conflict.
He said he also believed the assassination was also an attempt to draw the United States and Western nations into the conflict.
"Israel aims to provoke Iran into a direct confrontation, thereby drawing the US and Western nations into the fray," he said, expressing concern that Israeli aggression against Palestinians would only intensify and prolong the conflict.
Meanwhile, UUM international politics analyst Dr Faisol Keling said the political landscape in Muslim countries like Iran, Yemen and Lebanon would grow more strained with Israel.
However, he asserted that this would not sever diplomatic relations between Arab nations and Iran or Israel.
"Despite past assassinations of leaders like Sheikh Ahmad Yasin in 2004 and Iran's supreme general Qasem Sulaimani in 2020, pro-US and Israeli Islamic countries have not cut ties with Israel," he said.
However, he warned that the assassination might fuel sentiments amongst radical groups who use the name of Islam to justify acts of violence.
He urged the authorities in Muslim countries to remain vigilant, as terrorist groups could exploit the situation to influence public opinion.
"The United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Countries, Arab League, China and Russia must take a multilateral or bilateral approach to deploy a peacekeeping force in Palestine," he added.
Yesterday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of Haniyeh, stressing that an investigation is underway.
In a statement, ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani expressed condolences over "the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh to the proud nation of Palestine".