Friday August 2, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Hundreds of people protested in Mogadishu after Friday prayers to condemn the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Prominent religious clerics led the demonstrations, carrying Palestinian flags and pictures of the late Haniyeh and chanting in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Sheikh Abdi Hayi, a scholar participating in the rally, declared Haniyeh a martyr and prayed for the suffering of the Palestinian Muslim community.
Haniyeh, 62, was assassinated in Tehran early on Wednesday in what the Palestinian group has described as “a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence.” Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new president.
Somalia has condemned the assassination, with the Foreign Ministry labelling the incident a violation of international law and expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in the region.
Demonstrations against Haniyeh's killing occurred across the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and other countries, with world leaders condemning the assassination.