Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday strongly condemned the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces, describing it as a heinous act.

In a statement posted on X, he expressed Malaysia's deep sorrow over the loss of Sinwar, calling him a "fighter and defender of the Palestinian people."

"Malaysia strongly condemns this killing, and it is clear that the regime's attempt to undermine the demand for the release of Palestinian prisoners will not succeed," he said. "Malaysia insists that the international community must reject Israel's barbarity, and that the ongoing massacre of Palestinians must be stopped immediately."

Malaysia berduka atas kehilangan seorang sosok pejuang dan pembela rakyat Palestin, Al Syahid Yahya Sinwar yang dibunuh ganas oleh rejim biadab Zionis.

Sekali lagi komuniti antarabangsa gagal memperjuang serta memastikan keamanan dan keadilan tertegak lantas memburuk situasi… pic.twitter.com/zy3wrgrYz9

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) October 19, 2024

The Malaysian premier also criticized the international community for failing to uphold peace and justice as the situation in the region continues to deteriorate. He pointed out that despite the global outcry, the Israeli occupation's air and ground assaults on both Lebanon and Gaza persist.

Hamas announces martyrdom of leader Yahya Sinwar

Islamic Resistance movement Hamas announced Friday the martyrdom of its Political Bureau chief and commander of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Yahya Sinwar.

In a statement, Hamas paid tribute to Sinwar, describing him as one of the most honorable and courageous men who dedicated his life to the Palestinian cause and sacrificed his soul for the liberation of Palestine. "He believed in God, and God was truthful with him, choosing him as a martyr alongside his brothers who preceded him," Hamas' statement said.

Hamas mourned Sinwar as a national leader and a distinguished freedom fighter, noting that he attained martyrdom while engaging in combat, standing firm on the frontlines, and confronting Israeli forces.

"We mourn the great national leader, freedom fighter and martyr Yahya Sinwar (Abu Ibrahim), the head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), and the commander of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. He rose as a brave martyr, advancing and not retreating, with his weapon in hand, confronting the occupation army on the frontlines. He moved between combat positions, steadfast and firm on the land of Gaza, defending the soil of Palestine and its holy sites, inspiring resilience, patience, and the spirit of resistance," the statement read.