Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informed US President Joe Biden that Israel is not interested in a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting that the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has severely hindered ceasefire efforts. Erdogan criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for consistently opposing a ceasefire and expressed deep disappointment following Netanyahu’s recent address to the US Congress.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the importance of a Gaza ceasefire with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. They also emphasized the need for Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to engage in ceasefire talks this month.
Biden Reaffirms US Support for Israel Amid Rising Tensions
President Biden reassured Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of the US commitment to defending Israel against threats from Iran, following the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, stressed efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. The leaders’ call came after Israel announced the elimination of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
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As tensions rise, the US sent the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt to the Persian Gulf with six Navy ships carrying missiles. Five Navy ships are already in the Mediterranean Sea. US spy planes flew over Syria, Lebanon, and Israel to collect intelligence data.
Erdogan-Pakistan Declare National Mourning for Haniyeh
In response to Haniyeh’s death, Erdogan declared a national day of mourning, showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Pakistan also announced a day of mourning, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for a funeral prayer in absentia for Haniyeh and condemning the Israeli actions as a tragedy for the Muslim world.
The UNRWA has launched its “back to learning” program in Gaza to help children affected by the conflict. Despite efforts to protect civilians, Israeli forces hit a school in Gaza City, resulting in multiple casualties.
The military claimed that Hamas fighters used the school as a hideout.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the assassination of Haniyeh, calling it a violation of international law and warning it could further escalate tensions. They urged holding Israel accountable for its actions that threaten regional security.
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