Biden criticizes killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh, cautions against escalation

President Joe Biden expressed concerns on August 1 about the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, stating that it undermines efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Biden's remarks come amid heightened tensions following Haniyeh's killing, which occurred in Iran shortly after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country's new president. The death of Haniyeh, who was involved in indirect ceasefire negotiations, has been confirmed by both Hamas and Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The assassination has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with threats of retaliation against Israel being voiced. Haniyeh's death has sparked anxieties among Gaza's residents, who worry that the act could prolong the war and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

“It doesn’t help,” Biden told reporters late on August 1 when asked about the impact of Haniyeh’s death on ceasefire prospects. He also noted that he had discussed the situation directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier on August 1.

While Netanyahu’s government has not claimed responsibility for the killing, it has stated that Israel has delivered significant blows to Iran's proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, and will respond forcefully to any retaliatory actions.

The ongoing conflict, which erupted on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, has resulted in substantial casualties and destruction. According to Israeli figures, the initial attack killed 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israel’s military actions have claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives and displaced almost the entire population of Gaza, intensifying the humanitarian crisis and leading to genocide accusations that Israel denies.

The situation remains highly volatile, with international efforts to mediate a ceasefire continuing amid the escalating violence and regional tensions.