Biden: The Killing of Haniyeh Was Not Helpful for Achieving a Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza War

U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Thursday night, August 11, Washington time, that the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was "not helpful" for achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza war. According to Reuters, Biden made this remark while speaking to reporters at Andrews military base during a welcome ceremony for freed citizens in Russia, in response to a question about whether Haniyeh's killing eliminated the chance for a ceasefire agreement. He also noted that he spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's death, although the Islamic Republic and several countries have accused Israel of being involved in his killing in Tehran. Reports indicate that Biden reiterated the United States' commitment to Israel's security against all threats from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups during his phone conversation with Netanyahu. In this conversation, which also included his vice president, Kamala Harris, Biden supported efforts to uphold Israel's right to defend itself against threats, including ballistic missiles and drones, by naming the Islamic Republic's "terrorist" proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, referencing the "new U.S. defensive military deployment" plan. A senior U.S. official previously stated that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the implications of the recent killings of two Hezbollah and Hamas officials during a phone call. Meanwhile, Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated at a press conference on Thursday at the White House that the United States is monitoring current developments in the Middle East, with the Biden administration focused on preventing the escalation of conflicts into a widespread regional war, a danger that has always existed and still does. Axios reported on Thursday that the Biden administration believes the Islamic Republic intends to respond to Haniyeh's killing in a manner similar to the April 13 attack on Israel, but this time potentially on a larger scale involving Hezbollah. Three U.S. officials told Axios that the United States is prepared to counter this potential attack. A U.S. defense official stated that the increase in tensions in the Middle East following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials has not prompted the Pentagon to deploy additional troops, but the United States has stationed at least 12 warships in surrounding areas. This official, who requested anonymity, told the Washington Post that these ships include the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, its accompanying warships, and the amphibious task force Wasp, which consists of three ships and over 4,000 Marines and sailors. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was stationed in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, August 10, along with six American destroyers. In the eastern Mediterranean, three amphibious ships, USS Wasp, USS Oak Hill, and USS New York, along with two destroyers, USS Buckley and USS Roosevelt, have been deployed. According to this report, no American warships were present in the Red Sea, while the U.S. military has recently been engaged with the Houthis, who are supported by the Islamic Republic and have carried out multiple attacks on commercial shipping in the region in recent months. At the same time, an Israeli government spokesperson stated on Thursday that Israel is prepared for any potential retaliation from the Islamic Republic and its allies for the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders and will respond "strongly" to any attack. Ali Saleh: Haniyeh's killing was a significant intelligence and security failure for the Islamic Republic. Amin Sofiamahr: The removal of Haniyeh in Tehran showed that the previous attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel was ineffective. The future of Hamas and the potential reaction of the Islamic Republic following Ismail Haniyeh's killing in Tehran. The removal of Haniyeh: a legitimate target or a violation of Iran's national sovereignty? Debate between Sadegh Ziba Kalam and Jamshid Barzegar. U.S. concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East following Ismail Haniyeh's killing in Tehran. The White House: We are monitoring current developments in the Middle East; the Biden administration's focus is on preventing a "widespread regional war."