US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on all parties in the Middle East to cease escalatory actions and work towards a ceasefire in Gaza following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Iran has attributed to Israel.
Speaking to reporters in Mongolia, Blinken highlighted the need to break the cycle of conflict, suffering, and insecurity in the region.
He emphasized that achieving a ceasefire is the first step and requires all parties to engage in dialogue and halt escalatory activities.
Blinken refrained from directly commenting on Haniyeh’s death or speculating on its impact on the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
He stressed the importance of all parties making the right choices in the coming days to avoid further violence and suffering.
The assassination of 61-year-old Haniyeh, who was living in exile in Qatar, along with the recent killing of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, has raised concerns about the potential for the Gaza conflict, ongoing for nearly ten months, to expand.
This conflict pits Israel, a staunch adversary of Iran, against Iran-backed groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
Efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza have so far been unsuccessful, and the conflict has heightened tensions across the Middle East.
This includes between Israel and Iran’s allies in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, particularly Hezbollah.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the recent attacks in Beirut and Tehran, calling them a dangerous escalation.
He urged continued efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, Qatar, a key mediator, has questioned the viability of its ongoing efforts in light of the recent developments.
