Sixty-five bar associations across Turkey issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, warning that his death could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and spread instability across the Middle East.
Haniyeh was killed along with his bodyguard in an explosion in his residence in the Iranian capital after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Although Iran claims Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike, The New York Times reported on Thursday that an explosive device planted in the residence two months before the killing was responsible for the Hamas leader’s death.
The statement, shared on social media by the İstanbul Bar Association, described the assassination as a violation of international laws and treaties. “The assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh, allegedly carried out by Israel, is a blatant violation of international laws and agreements,” the statement read.
The bar associations expressed concern that Haniyeh’s death would not only intensify existing tensions but also expand the humanitarian crisis from Gaza to the broader region.
“The killing of Ismail Haniyeh while he was in Iran undoubtedly aims to trigger new tensions and instability in the Middle East, while also having the potential to spread the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza throughout the region,” the statement said.
The associations also criticized the international community for its silence on the violence in Gaza, suggesting it has created an environment that enables such attacks.
“The ongoing attacks and humanitarian crisis in Gaza are compounded by the silence of the international community and states, which unfortunately paves the way for such assassinations and attacks,” the statement said. “As bar associations, we strongly condemn this assassination and call on the international community and actors to fulfill their responsibilities under humanitarian law to halt the ongoing attacks and conflicts in Gaza.”
Turkey declared a day of mourning in response to Haniyeh’s death. The assassination has prompted condemnations from political leaders and civil society groups in Turkey, with protests erupting in multiple cities.
Haniyeh, a significant figure in Hamas, was involved in recent ceasefire negotiations following the deadly conflict that began on October 7, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of around 250 individuals. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 39,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The assassination has further complicated the already tense relations between Israel and Iran, both of which have been engaged in a shadow war across the region, particularly in Syria and Lebanon.
The bar associations’ statement emphasizes the need for a renewed focus on humanitarian law and the protection of human rights in the midst of ongoing conflicts. “We urge the international community to take immediate and concrete action to stop the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones,” the statement concluded.
Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States label Hamas as a terrorist organization. New Zealand and Paraguay classify only its military wing as such. Brazil, China, Egypt, Iran, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Syria and Turkey do not consider Hamas a terrorist organization.
NATO member Turkey’s Western allies have time and again criticized what they see as the government of Erdoğan providing a safe haven for Hamas officials and members.