Rising tensions as Iran accuses the US of being complicit in the Hamas leader’s assassination, prompting international reactions.
Tehran has accused Washington of being complicit in the killing of Ismail Haniyeh by virtue of its backing for Israel.
On Wednesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared that the US shares some blame for Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh’s death. The Palestinian organization’s top official was assassinated in Tehran when his residence was struck by a missile earlier in the day.
The strike was attributed by the ministry to Israel, which it deemed as an attempt of the Jewish State to track down Palestinian leaders. The act was denounced as a “terrorist” move that aimed at undermining Iran’s autonomy and geographical boundaries.
During Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration as the new president of Iran, Haniyeh was present. The statement from the ministry stated that Tehran has the authority to react suitably to this hostile behavior.
In its statement, the Islamic Republic of Iran highlights that the US government shares responsibility as a supporter and accomplice of Israel in carrying out this “reprehensible terrorist act.” Tehran believes that Israel’s objective is to create chaos within the Middle East region and considers Wednesday’s attack as posing an imminent danger to both regional and global peace.
The US has disavowed any involvement in the event. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed CNA, a Singapore-based news network, that America had no knowledge or participation in the killing.
The strike on Haniyeh’s residence hasn’t been addressed by Israel, however, it has been suggested through unidentified Iranian officials as claimed by national media that the missile might have originated within Iran’s borders. Previously, Israel assured to eradicate Hamas leaders.
As the ongoing conflict between Israel and a Palestinian militant group based in Gaza nears its ninth month, there are new developments. Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has made numerous promises to eradicate Hamas after their deadly raid on October 7th which resulted in the death of approximately 1,100 individuals with over 200 being taken captive by them inside Gaza.
In response to the attack, Israel initiated a significant military operation in Gaza comprising of intense bombing and later a ground invasion. Local authorities report that close to 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the beginning of this conflict.
