GAZA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The politburo chief of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday warned Israel against the consequences of resuming the targeted killing of Palestinian factions leaders.
"Resuming the assassinations of Palestinian factions' leaders might lead to comprehensive confrontations and ignite tension in the entire region," Haniyeh said in a statement, noting that he has warned Israel in a message sent via Arab and international parties.
His warning came a day after Israel army leaders told reporters that the choice of assassinating senior Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip "is still on the table" while acknowledging Hamas would act in retaliation.
The Israeli military openly talked about putting Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, and Muhammad Deif, leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the movement's military wing as its main targets.
Haniyeh responded that such a tactic, if implemented, may trigger incalculable reactions and "a comprehensive confrontation that the Israeli occupation will pay an unaccounted price."
Sinwar, 59, has been the leader of the Islamic Movement in the Gaza Strip since 2017. He spent more than 20 years in Israeli prisons and was released under an Egyptian-brokered prisoner exchange deal with Israel in 2011. ■
