Indonesian President Joko Widodo condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as an unacceptable act of violence that occurred within Iran’s territory. Japan also called for de-escalation following the incident, amid ongoing international condemnation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.
On Thursday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, commonly referred to as Jokowi, publicly denounced the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, labeling it a “recommended act of violence and murder”. According to reports from Anadolu Agency, President Jokowi emphasized that this assault violated Iran’s sovereignty, stating, “It is an act of violence and murder that cannot be tolerated, and it occurred within Iran’s sovereign territory.” The assassination was confirmed by Hamas and Iran on Wednesday, following an Israeli airstrike that targeted Haniyeh’s residence in Tehran. This occurred shortly after Haniyeh’s attendance at the inauguration ceremony for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. While Israel has not formally acknowledged its role in Haniyeh’s death, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at Israeli involvement. Jokowi further underscored that such acts within a sovereign nation are deemed “unacceptable” and expressed a belief that countries worldwide, including Indonesia, would stand against such violence. In a related development, Japan has urged for the prevention of escalated tensions in the Middle East following Haniyeh’s assassination. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi noted the importance of avoiding retaliatory actions and reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to undertaking diplomatic efforts in the interest of de-escalation. The situation in the Middle East remains critical as Israel faces international backlash for its ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in devastating casualties among Palestinians since the onset of conflict in early October. According to local health authorities, the death toll has tragically risen to at least 39,445, predominantly affecting women and children, with over 91,000 reported injuries. Israel now faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has mandated a halt to military actions in areas harboring displaced Palestinians.
The context of this situation stems from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, exacerbated by recent aggressive military actions. The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh marks a significant escalation in hostilities and raises issues of international law, particularly regarding sovereignty and the use of force. With heightened tensions in the Middle East, global leaders are increasingly vocal about the need for diplomatic solutions and adherence to UN resolutions calling for ceasefires, amidst widespread suffering in Gaza due to the conflict.
In summary, President Joko Widodo’s condemnation of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reflects Indonesia’s stance against violence and infringement on national sovereignty. The International community is closely monitoring the situation, as Japan advocates for de-escalation and peace in the region, while Israel’s military actions continue to face scrutiny and condemnation. The need for diplomatic interventions and respect for international norms has never been more pivotal given the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com
