Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine strongly condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, describing it as a cowardly act and a serious escalation.

He called on the Palestinian people and their forces to unite, exercise patience, and remain steadfast in the face of the Israeli occupation – according to a statement cited by the Palestine News Agency (WAFA).

Read more: Who is Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas political leader killed in Iran?

Haniyeh was killed today by an ‘Israeli’ airstrike on his residence in Tehran – per a statement from Hamas.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that they are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Haniyeh’s assassination and will announce the results later. 

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the official news agency of Iran, said that Haniyeh was killed along with one of his bodyguards in the ‘Israeli’ airstrike that targeted his residence in Tehran.

Hamas said earlier yesterday that Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement's political bureau, and a Hamas delegation visited Iran to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president.

In a statement on Tuesday, Hamas reported that Haniyeh and the delegation attended meetings, including with new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Haniyeh congratulated the new president on gaining the trust of the Iranian people and assuming the presidency.

Haniyeh briefed Pezeshkian on the latest political and field developments related to the Gaza conflict, and expressed his gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its honorable stance in supporting the resilience of the Palestinian people – per the statement.