Biden: Haniyeh’s Killing Hurts Gaza Ceasefire Efforts
US President Joe Biden stated on Thursday that the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is counterproductive to achieving a ceasefire in Israel’s war in Gaza. The assassination, which occurred in Iran, has heightened the risk of broader Middle East conflict.
Biden remarked, “It doesn’t help,” when asked if Haniyeh’s assassination hindered ceasefire negotiations. He confirmed speaking directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier on Thursday. Netanyahu’s government has not claimed responsibility for the killing but emphasized recent actions against Iran’s proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
The death of Haniyeh, who was involved in ceasefire talks, was confirmed by Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Gaza residents fear the assassination will prolong the war, which has already caused significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
Since the conflict escalated on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel, Israeli assaults on Gaza have killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. The United States has denied involvement in Haniyeh’s killing.
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