In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return Dear Nation of Iran! The brave and distinguished Palestinian leader, Mr. Ismail Haniyeh, met his Lord at dawn last night, and the vast front of resistance is in mourning. The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our home, causing us grief, but they have also paved the way for severe retribution for themselves. Martyr Haniyeh had devoted his precious life for years to the honorable field of struggle, ready for martyrdom, having sacrificed his children and loved ones in this path. He did not fear martyrdom in the cause of Allah and the liberation of Allah's servants, but in this bitter and difficult event that occurred within the bounds of the Islamic Republic, we consider it our duty to seek retribution for his blood. I extend my condolences to the Islamic community, the resistance front, the brave and proud people of Palestine, and especially to the family and survivors of Martyr Haniyeh and one of his companions who was martyred alongside him. I pray to the Almighty Allah for their exaltation in ranks. Seyyed Ali Khamenei 31 July 2024, corresponding to 25 Muharram 1446