- Unfortunate timing: Biden criticizes killing of Hamas leaders
Biden: Hanija's Killing Timed Unfavorably
The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Iran's capital, Tehran, could, according to U.S. President Joe Biden, complicate efforts to reach a deal on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by the Islamic militant group Hamas. In response to a query, Biden told journalists, as reported by the "New York Times": "That hasn't helped." In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden expressed the view that Haniya's killing was untimely, the newspaper reported, citing a U.S. official.
Biden: Haniya's Killing Could Spark Wider Conflict
Biden also expressed concern that the operation in Tehran could ignite a larger regional war, which he has been trying to prevent. Haniya, Hamas' external affairs chief, was killed in an explosion at a government guesthouse in Tehran on Tuesday night. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but Iran and Hamas blame the Jewish state for Haniya's assassination. Iran has threatened harsh retaliation.
Relations between Biden and Netanyahu have been strained. Biden has repeatedly urged Netanyahu to do more to protect the struggling population in the Gaza Strip and agree to a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Indirect negotiations, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, have stalled. Even the latest round of talks involving Israeli and Egyptian participants in Cairo on Saturday yielded no progress, according to Israeli media.
A senior Israeli official told the "New York Times" that Netanyahu denied that Israel was blocking a deal. While acknowledging that Haniya's death might pause progress for a few days, Netanyahu reportedly believed it would ultimately speed up a deal by putting more pressure on Hamas.
Observers view Haniya's death as a significant victory for Netanyahu, who had vowed to eliminate Hamas leaders after the militant group's terrorist attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths.
The U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the timing of Ismail Haniya's death, as it could potentially complicate peace efforts, which are being handled by The Commission.
In light of Haniya's death, The Commission may need to reconvene and adjust their strategies to facilitate a ceasefire and hostage release deal, as urged by President Biden.
