Abbas Zaki, a member of the Fatah Central Committee said that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, was "the greatest Palestinian leader of this era." He added that his assassination was a "heinous crime" and it will set the land on fire. Zaki continued to say that the fear Haniyeh had generated among the Israelis will continue to haunt them after his death. The interview with Abbas Zaki was posted on Quds News Network on August 3, 2024.
Abbas Zaki: "Ismail Haniyeh is the greatest Palestinian leader of this era, representing the direct confrontation with Israel and the United States. He was taken out because he is one of the great leaders. Him being taken out will set the land on fire, as a result of this heinous crime. Therefore, the response is not just Palestinian. It is a regional response.
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"Israel went to underground [bomb shelters] yesterday, because they are afraid of the reaction. Their airports are teeming with people looking to flee to Eilat or elsewhere, out of fear. The fear generated by Ismail Haniyeh while he was still alive, and when he was speaking on behalf of all the fighters, will continue to haunt [the Israelis] after his death – fear of the people who will avenge him."