Ismail Haniyeh's death unlikely to ignite Arab-Israeli war, expert says

SHAH ALAM - The death of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is not expected to trigger an Arab-Israeli war similar to those in 1948 and 1973.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) international law expert Professor Dr Salawati Mat Basir said this was because many Arab countries were now strong supporters of the Zionist regime.

"In my view, as of now, other Arab countries do not want to get involved (in the Palestine-Israel conflict) because they (Arab countries) have normalised relations with Israel.

"The only country that is truly committed to helping and defending Palestine is Yemen. Iran, in fact, only attacks Israel when they are attacked.

"So, I see that a recurrence of an Arab-Israeli war like in the past is unlikely, as Arab countries themselves are divided and have their own agendas," she told Sinar on Thursday.

She said this when asked about the potential for an Arab-Israeli war like those in 1948 and 1973 following the assassination of Ismail in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Salawati said that Israel was seen as determined to attack Iran, aiming to broaden the conflict, believing they would receive support from the United States (US).

"Iran has previously issued many warnings of retaliatory actions against Israel, but in reality, it has not happened. So, we cannot prove how far Iran will go in a war with Israel," she said.

She added that the division among Arab countries, with some becoming supporters and 'good friends' of the Zionist regime, was a reason why the fate of the Palestinian people remains unresolved.