Haniyeh assassination does not help peace talks

U.S. President Joe Biden said he was “very concerned” about a potential escalation in violence in the Middle East, adding that the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this week “does not help” efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel has not yet commented on Haniyeh’s assassination, but Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of responsibility and vowed revenge.

Biden said he had a “very direct” conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During that discussion, President Biden pledged U.S. support for Israel if Iran launches an attack, and the Islamic Republic vowed to retaliate for Haniyeh’s death and Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shoukr in Beirut on Tuesday.

Biden called for de-escalation in the Middle East on Thursday and renewed his call for a deal to end fighting in Gaza and allow hostages to return to Israel.

“We have the basis for a ceasefire. (Israel) should take advantage of that and take advantage of it now,” President Biden said.

Biden’s comments echoed those of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who called on “all parties” in the Middle East to stop “escalatory actions” and warned that the Middle East was heading for “more conflict, more violence, more suffering, more insecurity.” Blinken said “this cycle must be broken.”

Israeli authorities expect Iranian attack

Iranian leaders and Hamas have vowed to take action against Israel over Haniyeh’s killing. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah also said the war against Israel had entered a “new phase” and that Israel should expect “anger and revenge.”

While the Israeli military claimed responsibility for the killing of Fuad Shouk, Israel has yet to officially comment on Haniyeh’s assassination, which Hamas, Iran and its allies blame on Israel.

Image source: Shutterstock