Hours before his assassination, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh had a final conversation with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian media reports.
In his discussion with Khamenei, Haniyeh remarked, “When one leader leaves, another will take his place. This is the way of the world. Life and death are in Allah’s hands.”
Haniyeh continued, “It is Allah who gives life and takes it away. He is the one who makes us laugh and cry. But what will endure, God willing, is the Muslim Ummah. As the poet said, if one leader leaves us, another will come to take his place.”
The Hamas chief prayed for Khamenei, saying, “May God grant you a long life, safety, and health.” In response, Khamenei recited verse 249 from Surah Al-Baqarah: “How many a small company has overcome a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient.”
Ayatollah Khamenei told Haniyeh, “You are a small group that has succeeded in defeating a large army, which includes the US, NATO, the UK, and other nations.”
The Iranian Supreme Leader further added, “It is possible to annihilate Israel. The day will come when Palestine will be established from the sea to the river, Inshallah.”
