The Afghan Taliban issued a statement on Wednesday offering condolences and congratulating the “martyrdom” of Hamas leader and “political” terrorist Ismail Haniyeh following his death, calling him an “outstanding, wise and resolute man” and expressing support for the genocidal jihadist movement.
The Afghan Taliban, officially known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is the country’s undisputed government and is approaching the third anniversary of its return to power since President Joe Biden’s extension of the Afghanistan war toppled the country’s government on August 15, 2021. The Taliban have consistently praised fellow jihadist terrorist organization Hamas and have been in regular contact with Haniyeh, whose highest role within the organization is to streamline cooperation with key international organizations that support the organization.
Haniyeh had been in Tehran on Tuesday for the inauguration of Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and was seen hugging and engaging in heated discussions with Iranian officials just hours before his death. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a US-designated terrorist organization, announced Haniyeh’s death on Wednesday, saying he was killed in an attack at his accommodation in the capital, but gave no other details.
On Thursday, the left The New York Times report Middle Eastern sources said unknown individuals planted a bomb in a guest room that Haniya often used during visits to Iran several months ago and detonated it remotely on Wednesday. Prior to the report, there had been speculation that Haniya may have been killed in an airstrike or other explosive act. Haniya was reported to have been killed along with an unnamed bodyguard.
As of this writing, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the explosion. The Revolutionary Guards have accused Israel of coordinating with the United States in killing Haniyeh, but Israel has not commented directly on the incident and the Biden administration has denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the attack.
Taliban top spokesman Zabihullah Muhajid paid personal tribute to Haniyeh on social media on Wednesday, posting a photo of them together and describing the terrorist as a “very witty and serious person.”
“His martyrdom will further strengthen the spirit of Palestinian freedom. He left behind many like-minded people. Martyrdom is happiness for a Muslim,” Mujahid wrote.
سماعیل هنیة خورا مدبر او سنجیده سړی و.
د هغه شهادت به د فلسطین د آزادۍ غوښتنی روحیه لا پیاوړی کړي.
هغه تر شا ډیر همفکره هنیه ګان پریښي دي.
شهادت د مسلمان لپاره سعادت دی. pic.twitter.com/e9LHVkkIdN— Zabehulah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) July 31, 2024
Separately, the Taliban government issued an official statement offering condolences to Haniyeh’s family and congratulating him on his “martyrdom” in the jihad.
Statement by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the martyrdom of Hamas political leader Dr. Ismail Haniyehhttps://t.co/86gn4clBwh pic.twitter.com/i3qbGW7lf5
— Zabehulah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) July 31, 2024
“Martyr Ismail Haniyeh was an outstanding, wise and resolute Palestinian leader who made great sacrifices in the struggle and successful jihad, thus fulfilling his mission,” the Taliban claimed.
“For him, as a Muslim and a warrior, martyrdom meant a great victory. He succeeded and left a legacy of resistance, selflessness, patience, persistence, struggle and practical sacrifice for his followers,” the statement continued.
He added that the Taliban were looking to “protect Hamas and Palestinian holy sites.” [sic] While celebrating Haniya’s death, he added that it was a “great loss for the Muslim ummah.” [community] And the jihadist cause.”
Finally, the terrorists blamed “Zionist invaders” for “further destabilization of the region.”
In reality, the ongoing war that Israel declared against Hamas in October is the result of a Hamas terrorist incursion into Israeli territory from Gaza. On October 7, 2023, a horde of Hamas terrorists stormed a residential neighborhood near Israel’s border with Gaza, massacring entire families and committing torture, gang rape, and other atrocities. Hamas terrorists have killed an estimated 1,200 people and are believed to still be holding more than 100 hostages as of Thursday.
What you need to know: The horror of Hamas terror attacks on civilians in Israel’s Kibbutz Be’eri
Joel B. Pollack/Breitbart News
The Taliban were one of the first groups to celebrate the October 7 massacre.
“The Islamic Emirate will support all defense and resistance of the Palestinian people. [sic] In a statement on the day of the massacre, the Taliban said “freedom for their land and holy sites should be their legitimate right” and blamed the violence on “Israeli Zionists trampling on the rights of an oppressed Palestinian state”.
The Taliban and Hamas maintained friendly relations even before October 7. Regularly Hamas has sent emissaries to meet with Haniya, who is based in a luxury hotel in Doha, Qatar. Mujahid himself is the emissary, a sign of high respect. Recent communications between Hamas and the Taliban include: Occurred On July 24, 2024, Haniyeh held a telephone conversation with the Taliban’s “Foreign Minister,” Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
“During the phone call, the two discussed the recent political developments in the Gaza Strip, jihadist trends and regional issues,” the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported. “Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaki praised Hamas’ struggle and sacrifices, stressed the importance of unity and perseverance in jihadist activities, and underscored its commitment to Islamic principles and values.”
Haniyeh also reportedly “appreciated the stance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Afghan people towards Palestine.” [sic]He shared information about the recent negotiations with the occupying regime, especially in the Gaza Strip.”
