The United Liberation Front for Palestine strongly condemns the assassination of Palestinian resistance leader and former Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This cowardly act, carried out by Zionist forces, underscores a blatant disregard for international law and human rights. It is yet another demonstration of the lengths to which these forces will go to suppress the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and justice.

This assassination is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of aggression. It reflects the Zionist entity’s long-standing policy of targeting key figures in the Palestinian resistance movement. Such actions reveal a refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations or respect the rights of the Palestinian people. Instead, there is a clear intent to undermine any potential for peace and stability in the region. Ismail Haniya was not a militant leader, but leader of the political bureau, where he worked as the lead negotiator with “israel” for a ceasefire in Gaza. His assassination should make clear what Palestinians have long stated: that Israel and the US attempts towards a ceasefire have only ever been conducted in bad faith, not only since October 7th, but in the decades prior.

As Haniyeh worked to serve within the leadership of Palestinian resistance, Zionist forces attempted to derail negotiations by indiscriminately slaughtering his family members. Most recently, his grandchildren and three sons, on the most celebrated day of the Islamic calendar, Eid Al-Fitr, joining more than 60 members of Haniyeh's family who have been killed by Israel. It is a clear example of the Zionist entity’s campaign of capital punishment and targeting of family members of anyone involved in Palestinian resistance against israeli occupation and genocide.

The 'rules-based global order', and the systems that uphold them, including the UN, ICC/ICJ, NATO and other international bodies and institutions, were established by the West under the guise of "promoting stability and protecting human rights", but have only ever been used to enforce the will of the West. They are only ever used as bludgeons against those who stand in the way of the US global hegemony. This was best exemplified by Zionist Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to address the Imperial Core’s Congress, where he received over 50 standing ovations during his lie-ridden tirade of madness, racism, and genocidal bloodlust, despite the ICC being in the process of issuing an arrest warrant against him and other Israeli leaders for genocide. This strike on Ismail Haniyeh, just like Israel's genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, would not and could not be possible without the tacit, enthusiastic, unwavering support of the “United States” and all of its politicians for the Zionist entity.

Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination is a significant loss, not just for Palestine, but for all those who believe in justice and self-determination. Haniyeh’s life was marked by a deep commitment to his people. Born in the aftermath of the Nakba in 1948, he and his family were among the countless Palestinians who were displaced and forced into refugee camps. These early hardships and life as a displaced refugee shaped Haniyeh as he rose to become a key leader in the Palestinian resistance, known for his steadfastness and dedication to the cause of liberation.

His assassination joins a long history of similar tragedies, where leaders and activists have been targeted in endless, futile attempts to silence the Palestinian voice. However, history has shown that the spirit of resistance cannot be quelled through violence. The ideals that Haniyeh stood for — liberation, justice, and the right of return — are shared by millions across the world. These principles are not tied to any one individual; they are the collective aspiration of a people seeking their rightful place in the world.

The loss of Ismail Haniyeh is deeply felt, but it also serves to strengthen the resolve of those who continue the struggle. The path to a free Palestine is fertilized by the blood of those who've given their life for liberation, and tread by those who have the courage to challenge systems of oppression by all means necessary. The Palestinian cause will continue to serve as the vanguard of struggle against imperialism and colonialism; it is a beacon of hope for oppressed people everywhere. His legacy, as well as the countless others who have given their lives for the cause, will live on in the hearts of all who fight for a better future.

Glory to our martyrs, and may our causes be united on our path to a free Palestine. As we mark 300 days of this genocide on our people, let us honor their memory by redoubling our efforts to achieve the justice and peace that they so valiantly fought for.

United Liberation Front for Palestine
Statement — Wednesday, July 31 2024