U.S. Denies Involvement in Hamas Leader's Assassination

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied involvement in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza. Haniyeh's death, confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, could impact the ongoing conflict. Blinken stressed that U.S. priorities are peace and security in the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that the United States was not involved in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and he underscored the imperative of a ceasefire in Gaza.

"This is something we were not aware of or involved in. It's very hard to speculate," Blinken remarked in an interview with Channel News Asia during his visit to Singapore. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyeh's death shortly after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for Iran’s new president.

Haniyeh, a key figure in Palestinian militant group Hamas, has spearheaded its international diplomacy. His assassination, following Israel’s claim of eliminating a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, is seen as a potential setback for a ceasefire agreement in the intense, 10-month conflict. Blinken, currently on an Asia tour, emphasized that achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages from Gaza are crucial objectives for the United States.

"It's vitally important to hopefully put things on a better path for more enduring peace and more enduring security, so that focus remains," Blinken said.