Impact of Haniyeh's Assassination on Gaza Conflict and Middle East Peace Process

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was intended to prolong the Gaza conflict. Abbas plans to discuss the regional crisis with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Iran blamed Israel for the assassination and promised retribution. Abbas also emphasized the need for legitimate Palestinian control over Gaza.

In a recent statement, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, calling it a strategic move to extend the Gaza conflict. Abbas, in an interview with Russia's state news agency RIA, revealed plans to discuss the escalating regional crisis with President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow scheduled for Aug. 12-14.

Haniyeh, a key political figure in the Hamas organization, was killed in Tehran last week, an act that has sparked threats of retaliation against Israel and raised fears of a broader Middle Eastern conflict. Abbas described the assassination as a 'cowardly act and a dangerous development in Israeli politics,' asserting that its primary objective was to expand the scope of the war.

The Palestinian president further argued that Haniyeh's killing would negatively impact ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the hostilities and prompting the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. He stressed that Gaza should be governed by the legitimate Palestinian authorities and criticized temporary solutions proposed by Israel. Collaborating with Russia, which maintains ties with both Iranian and Arab leaders, Abbas plans to discuss peace processes and coordinate political positions with Putin during his visit.

(With inputs from agencies.)