Blinken says US not involved in Hamas leader's assassination
Kyiv • UNN
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the U.S. was not involved in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. He emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Wednesday that the United States was not involved in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. UNN reports with reference to Reuters.
Details
He was asked what impact Haniyeh's death might have on the war between Israel and Hamas. Blinken replied that it would be speculation to link this event to the next.
This is something we did not know about and were not involved in. It is very difficult to speculate on this. Over the years, I've learned to never speculate on how one event might affect another
Blinken added that a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza are crucial, and the United States will do everything to make that happen.
It's vital, I hope, to steer the situation in the right direction for a more lasting peace and a more lasting security, to not lose focus
At the same time, the media estimate that Haniyeh's assassination, less than 24 hours after Israel announced the killing of a Hezbollah commander, could be a serious obstacle to a ceasefire agreement in the 10-month war.
Context
Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed Khaniya's death a few hours after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the country's new president.