Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh accused Israeli Mossad of carrying out the assassination of young Palestinian scholar Dr Fadi al-Batch, who was shot dead on Saturday at dawn in Malaysia.

“We blame the Israeli Mossad of carrying out the assassination of Dr Fadi al-Batch,” Haniyeh said.

He added: “The timing of the assassination of the scholar is intended, but the Palestinian people will remain resilient.”

The top Hamas leader also said: “We dispatched a senior delegation to hold meetings with the Malaysian officials and follow up closely the details of the crime.”