The Hamas Resistance movement revealed that its leadership held consultations across its leadership and Shura institutions to appoint a new leader for the movement, hours after its martyred leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by "Israel". 

Hamas reassured the Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic nations, that the movement's executive institutions and its Shura Council frameworks continue operating under effective and practical mechanisms to resume the Resistance's operations in the most difficult circumstances.

In its statement, the Resistance confirmed that Haniyeh was not just Hamas' martyr, but that of the Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic Ummahs, and the free people of the world, saying "Perhaps the vast engagement and solidarity, from the east to the west, is clear proof of that."

Haniyeh's blood to light the Resistance's path

The results of Hamas' consultations will be announced once they are concluded, according to the Resistance, which refuted claims of certain social media and news outlets of the appointment of several individuals, saying no decision has been made yet. 

Hamas stressed that Haniyeh's martyrdom will only increase its strength and determination to continue on its path, noting that his "pure, noble blood will ignite the fire of resistance and increase its intensity and escalation."

The movement pointed out in its statement that it is distinguished by its high institutionalism and its firm Shura Council, which was reflected in the facts and events during the past decades that witnessed the martyrdom of a number of its leaders, as it was quick to choose their successors according to the movement’s regulations and systems.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip performed Friday the absentee funeral prayer (Salat al-Gha'ib) for the soul of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was martyred Wednesday.

This solemn act of remembrance was mirrored in various Palestinian cities, with tens of thousands of worshippers in the West Bank and occupied al-Quds also conducting prayers in his honor at al-Aqsa Mosque and numerous other mosques across the region.