The White House is unable to determine the impact of the assassination of a top Hamas leader on the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Allegations have been made that Israel was responsible for the murder of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Reports from Tehran that Hamas' top political leader was killed Wednesday by an airstrike could not be confirmed by the White House.
The NSC spokesman John Kirby stated that he could neither confirm nor deny a statement by Hamas accusing Israel of assassinating Ismail Haniyeh. Despite no one claiming responsibility for the assassination, Israel is suspected to be behind it after vowing to eliminate Hamas' senior leaders following the Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel, where terrorists killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.
During the White House press briefing Wednesday afternoon, Kirby stated that he had seen Hamas' statement but couldn't confirm or verify it. He added that there was no independent confirmation.
Kirby was unable to provide a response when asked about the potential impact of the killing on the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 90,000 have been injured in the Gaza war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, although the count does not distinguish between civilians and terrorists.
Kirby stated that it is premature to determine the implications of the reported events on the ceasefire agreement, but the Biden-Harris administration continues to work towards an agreement that would end the war in Gaza and provide aid to the Palestinian population.
As Kirby stated, we currently have a team in the region working with our counterparts to advance this project because it is of utmost importance.
"The work has always been complex, and the challenges only become more difficult with each passing day, including today."
Earlier, a U.S. military official stated to Planet Chronicle that the American military had "no role" in the assassination of Haniyeh, who was the head of Hamas' political bureau and praised the Oct. 7 attacks as a humiliating blow to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will retaliate severely against any attack on any front, without specifying the killing. He also mentioned that difficult times are ahead.
The alleged assassination has intensified the conflict in Gaza and increased the risk of a broader regional conflict in the Middle East, which is the opposite of what the Biden-Harris administration aims to achieve.
On his official website, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that revenge was a duty and Israel had prepared a harsh punishment for itself by killing a dear guest in our home.
Whether Hamas will withdraw from ceasefire talks backed by Biden is yet to be determined.
The president has not yet made any personal comments about the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The president will provide an update later this week, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's message to Planet Chronicle' Jacqui Heinrich.
Jean-Pierre stated on Wednesday that this president has a record to stand on when it comes to foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East. He emphasized that the president has prioritized the national security of the American people by reengaging with allies and partners.
This report was contributed to by Planet Chronicle' Liz Friden and Lucas Tomlinson, Planet Chronicle Digital's Landon Mion, and The Associated Press.
world
You might also like
- In England, unique artwork dating back to the early 2nd century is discovered by archaeologists.
- An assassination plot against Iranian Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was thwarted, and an Israeli man was charged with the crime.
- After two rounds of device explosions, Israel targets Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- What caused the Hezbollah pager explosions? 5 key points to understand
- South Korea faces a new barrage of trash balloons from North Korea.