The killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has raised concerns about the potential for wider conflict in the Middle East. Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara, who currently chairs the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), warned that this “heinous act” could lead to escalating tensions and a wider regional conflict.

Iranian and Palestinian officials called for an OIC meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to address Haniyeh’s death.

Tangara stated that the killing “will not quell the Palestinian cause but rather it amplifies it, underscoring the urgency for justice and human rights for the Palestinian people.”

He also emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nation states as fundamental principles of the international order.

Iran’s acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, told the OIC meeting that in the absence of action by the UN Security Council against Israeli aggression, Iran has no choice but to exercise its right to legitimate self-defense. Hezbollah, a Lebanese ally of Hamas, has also vowed to retaliate for Haniyeh’s killing, as well as the earlier death of its military commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli strike.

The OIC has a history of issuing statements condemning civilian deaths in Gaza and has previously held summits to denounce Israel’s “barbaric actions” in the region.

Additionally, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Malaysian Foreign Minister and discussed the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and their commitment to OIC principles. Dar also met with Iran’s acting foreign minister to discuss bilateral and regional issues.

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