The
Palestinian Association for Human Rights(Witness) condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of the head
of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas",
Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran at dawn on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. It affirms that
this act is a flagrant violation of international law and violates the right to
life, which is one of the most important rights that every human being must
enjoy.
It also
strongly condemns any escalation of this kind, especially as it constitutes a
violation of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which will
further undermine security and peace in the region and exacerbate tensions, as
the maintenance of peace and respect for the sovereignty of states are
essential in the promotion and respect for human rights.
(witness)
considers that the right to life is a fundamental right that cannot be
violated. Targeting anyone, regardless of position or affiliation, is contrary
to humanitarian and legal principles that ensure that everyone is protected
from violent attacks. Ismail Haniyeh's assassination is a clear violation of
international humanitarian law, including the principles of the Geneva
Conventions, which prohibit the targeting of individuals in armed conflict
except in the context of legitimate hostilities.
The
Palestinian Association for Human Rights (WITNESS) stresses the importance of
protecting the rights of the Palestinian people and their just demands. It also
calls on the international community to take practical steps to stop the
genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and to prosecute war criminals in international
tribunals.