On Wednesday, the White House conveyed its apprehension regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a noted leader of Hamas. His killing in Iran has led to threats of retaliation against Israel. John Kirby, the national security spokesperson, reassured reporters that the U.S. does not view a large-scale conflict as imminent but is actively working to prevent such an outcome.
Kirby emphasized that despite the setback, the U.S. remains optimistic about achieving a ceasefire to end the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The assassination was confirmed by both Hamas and Iran's Revolutionary Guards, occurring shortly after Haniyeh's attendance at an event for Iran’s newly sworn-in president. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government remained silent on the assassination during a recent statement, while asserting that Israel has dealt significant blows to Iranian proxy forces.
The recent events have followed Israel's claim of killing a senior military commander of Hezbollah in Beirut amid escalating strikes. Kirby noted that risks of escalation fluctuate but are heightened at the moment, complicating efforts for de-escalation. He referred to comments from Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei, who threatened retaliation against Israel, laying the groundwork for greater conflict.
Despite the current tension impacting ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, Kirby indicated that there is still justification for pursuing a diplomatic solution. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressing the situation from Singapore, reiterated that securing a ceasefire is crucial for preventing the conflict from widening and confirmed that the U.S. was not involved in Haniyeh's assassination. He also communicated with leaders from Jordan and Qatar regarding the rising tensions in the region.
In response to recent attacks, U.S. State Department representatives stated that measures would be implemented to protect American personnel and interests in the Middle East, while advising U.S. citizens against traveling to Lebanon due to escalating hostilities involving Hezbollah.
0 Comments
Name
Comment Text