China criticizes killing of Hamas chief, says it jeopardised Gaza peace talks

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran undermined the cease-fire negotiation process in Gaza. "China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the assassination, believing that such practices seriously violate the basic norms of international relations, seriously infringe upon Iran's sovereignty, security and dignity, directly undermine the ceasefire negotiation process in Gaza, and impact regional peace and stability," Yi said in a telephone call with Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement. Yi said that China has always supported all parties in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, especially supporting Palestine in restoring its legitimate national rights. "It is imperative that the international community should form a joint force to urge all parties to the conflict to earnestly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and create conditions for achieving a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible," the statement quoted Yi as saying. China supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security and national dignity in accordance with the law, he went on to say. Beijing, he added, also supports Tehran's efforts to maintain regional peace and stability, and is willing to maintain close communication with Iran. Bagheri, for his part, explained Iran's position on Haniyeh's assassination, emphasizing that Tehran will "resolutely defend its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and at the same time be committed to maintaining regional security and stability." Haniyeh was killed in Tehran on July 31 after attending the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian a day earlier. Hamas and Iran have accused Israel of carrying out Haniyeh’s assassination, while Tel Aviv has not confirmed or denied responsibility. Iran vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel for Haniyeh’s killing on Iranian soil.