PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has strongly condemned the assassination of Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday.

In a strongly-worded statement issued by Malaysia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, Malaysia called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the assassination, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

"Malaysia also urges all parties to exercise restraint while facts surrounding the assassination are being established," said the ministry also known as Wisma Putra.

Haniyeh, Chief of the Political Bureau of Hamas and former prime minister of Palestine, was assassinated in Tehran, hours after he attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

Wisma Putra in a statement said that Malaysia recognised the role and contribution of the late Haniyeh, to free Palestine and her people from the illegal Israeli occupation.

"Malaysia unequivocally condemns all acts of violence, including targeted assassination, and urges all peace-loving nations to join in denouncing such acts," it said.

Wisma Putra said the incident underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and reinforced the necessity for all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and pursue peaceful resolutions.

Extending deepest condolences and sympathies to the family members, as well as to the leadership and people of Palestine, Wisma Putra said: Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and reaffirms its commitment to supporting their struggle for justice and self-determination."

Wisma Putra also said that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul is in Tehran as Malaysia's representative at the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian President.

"All members of the Malaysian delegation are safe," it said.

-- BERNAMA