The Taliban condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Chief of Hamas' Political Bureau, describing it as a "significant loss for the Islamic community and the jihadist movement”.

In a statement, the Taliban declared that defending Palestine and Hamas is both an Islamic and human responsibility.

On Wednesday, the Taliban released a statement praising Haniyeh as a "wise and prudent Palestinian Muslim who made significant sacrifices in his successful struggle and jihad, fulfilling his commitment to this cause”.

The statement further noted, "Martyrdom is the highest victory for a Muslim and a Mujahid." The Taliban emphasised that "Haniyeh succeeded in teaching his followers practical lessons in resistance, sacrifice, patience, endurance, struggle, and devotion”.

The Taliban extended their condolences to the people of Palestine, reiterating their commitment to defending Palestine and Hamas as an Islamic and humanitarian obligation.

The group called on Muslim and Arab countries to exert all efforts to stop Israeli attacks, warning that the continuation of "Israeli crimes" would result in increased instability in the region, for which Israel and its supporters would be held accountable.

The Taliban have maintained close relations with Hamas, with Ismail Haniyeh serving as a key liaison between the two groups. Haniyeh had held multiple meetings with senior Taliban officials, including Mullah Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister; Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister, and Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban. Most recently, Haniyeh met with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister, on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran.

Ismail Haniyeh was killed on Wednesday morning in an attack in Tehran.