Killing of Hamas leader intended to prolong Gaza conflict: Abbas

WEST BANK; The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was intended to prolong the conflict in Gaza and will complicate talks on resolving the crisis, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Russia’s RIA state news agency in remarks published on Tuesday.

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“There is no doubt that the purpose of Mr Haniyeh’s assassination is to prolong the war and expand its scope,” RIA cited Abbas as saying.

“It will have a negative impact on the ongoing negotiations to end the aggression and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza.”