Blinken: U.S. Not Involved in Reported Assassination of Hamas Leader

In an exclusive interview with Channel News Asia (CNA), U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the reported assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran by an Israeli strike. The incident, which Hamas is calling an assassination, occurred while Haniyeh was involved in ceasefire talks in Gaza.

When asked about the potential impact of Haniyeh's death on the ongoing ceasefire efforts, Blinken stated, "Well, of course, I’ve seen the reports. What I can tell you is this: first, this is something we were not aware of or involved in. It’s very hard to speculate, and I’ve learned over many years never to speculate on the impact one event may have on something else. So, I can’t tell you what this means specifically."

Blinken emphasized the critical importance of achieving a ceasefire, stating, "The imperative of achieving a ceasefire remains vitally important. We will continue to work towards that goal for as long as it takes. It's vital for ending the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, for securing the release of hostages, including a number of Americans, and for hopefully setting the stage for a more enduring peace and security. Our focus remains steadfast, and again, speculating on the impact of any one event isn’t wise."

The interview took place at the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singapore, where Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to facilitating peace and stability in the region. Despite the unexpected development, Blinken assured that the efforts to secure a ceasefire and address humanitarian concerns in Gaza would persist.

Haniyeh's reported assassination adds a new layer of complexity to the already fragile situation in Gaza. As international reactions continue to pour in, the focus remains on how this event will influence the broader efforts for peace and stability in the region.