Image Credits: CNA
The United States was “not aware of or involved in” the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday. Blinken’s comments came during an interview with Channel News Asia in Singapore, with a transcript provided by his staff.
“This is something we were neither aware of nor involved in,” Blinken emphasized. Despite denying any involvement, Blinken highlighted that the assassination underscored the urgent need for a cease-fire in Gaza. “This event makes achieving a ceasefire in Gaza even more imperative,” he added.
Speaking at a forum in Singapore, Blinken reiterated the importance of reaching a ceasefire, describing it as “the enduring imperative.” He outlined the broader U.S. strategy to stabilize the region and prevent conflict from escalating. “From the very beginning, we’ve been focused not just on improving the situation in Gaza but also on stopping the conflict from spreading,” Blinken explained. He mentioned potential flashpoints including Lebanon and Hezbollah, the Red Sea with the Houthis, as well as Iran, Syria, and Iraq.
“The key to ensuring that we do not see further escalation and that we can move toward a better future is achieving a ceasefire,” Blinken stated.
Haniyeh was reportedly attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president when he was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to Hamas. In response, Hamas blamed Israel for the assassination and vowed that the “cowardly” killing of their leader “will not go unanswered.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a strong stance against Hamas, vowing to destroy the organization in retaliation for its October 7 incursion into Israel. The incursion led to the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, based on an AFP tally from official Israeli figures. Moreover, Palestinian resistance groups took 251 hostages, with 111 still being held in Gaza, including 39 whom the Israeli military believes are deceased.
Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Blinken highlighted that achieving a ceasefire is crucial not only for humanitarian reasons but also for regional stability. “It’s in the interests of the hostages and bringing them home, and it’s profoundly in the interest of Palestinians who are suffering every single day, including children, women, and men in Gaza,” he said.
Blinken concluded by emphasizing that resolving the conflict in Gaza is essential for broader regional stability. He noted, “A lot is connected to the current situation in Gaza,” highlighting the extensive impact of the ongoing violence.