(Files) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (R) meets with Ismail Haniyeh at Abbas' office in Gaza City, Saturday, June 10, 2006. (Photo by Khalil Hamra / AFP)
Ramallah, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was a "cowardly act" and urged Palestinians to remain united against Israel.
"President Mahmud Abbas of the State of Palestine strongly condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, deeming it a cowardly act and a serious escalation," Abbas's office said in a statement. "He urged our people and their forces to unite, remain patient, and stand firm against the Israeli occupation."
Meanwhile a senior Hamas official said Wednesday that the killing of the Palestinian movement's chief Ismail Haniyeh "will not go unanswered".
"The assassination of leader Ismail Haniyeh is a cowardly act and will not go unanswered," Hamas policial bureau member Musa Abu Marzuk said in a statement.
