United States is working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, with its UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasizing the need to prevent a broader regional conflict. Concerns are mounting that Iran may retaliate against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, an act for which Israel has not claimed responsibility.
US Aims for Ceasefire and Hostage Release
Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York, Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the US’s commitment to deterring further attacks and fostering regional stability. She called for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, stressing that such a deal, including the release of hostages, could help reduce tensions and avoid a wider conflict.
US President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism that a ceasefire could deter Iran from launching an attack on Israel, stating, “That’s my expectation, but we’ll see.” However, Biden remained resolute in his approach, noting, “We’ll see what Iran does and we’ll see what happens if there’s any attack, but I’m not giving up.”
Challenges in Ceasefire Negotiations
Despite ongoing international efforts, the path to a ceasefire remains fraught with challenges. Hamas official Ahmad Abdul Hadi reportedly stated that the group would not participate in upcoming talks scheduled in Doha or Cairo, according to reports from the New York Times and Sky News. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has postponed a planned trip to the Middle East to focus on negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
Escalating Violence and Diplomatic Tensions
The conflict has already claimed a heavy toll, with over 39,920 people killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. In addition, hundreds have died in ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli military along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Iran, dismissing Western calls for restraint, has remained defiant. While Israel has not confirmed involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination, it has placed its military on high alert, anticipating possible retaliation. The US, in turn, has increased its military presence in the region, warning of potential attacks by Iran or its proxies.
Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the US’s stance at the Security Council, insisting that a broader regional conflict is not inevitable if a ceasefire is reached. However, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, criticized the Security Council’s response, accusing it of failing to act decisively to halt Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community remains focused on de-escalating the situation and preventing further violence in a region already deeply scarred by conflict.