Did US have prior knowledge of plot to assassinate Ismail Haniyeh?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Wednesday that the US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli Occupation assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas' political bureau, and was not involved in the operation.

Addressing a forum in Singapore, Blinken called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the importance of a permanent solution to the ongoing aggression. He reiterated his demands for the release of hostages and a halt to the fighting in the region.

In Manila, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also refrained from commenting on the details of Haniyeh's assassination, stating, "I have no additional information regarding this matter. We have certainly heard these reports, but I have nothing to add."

The assassination prompted strong reactions from various actors in the region. 

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the killing as a "bitter and difficult incident," asserting that "Iran has a duty to retaliate." 

Iranian President Massoud Bezhkian echoed this sentiment, vowing that Tehran would ensure "the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly act" and that Iran would "defend its honor and territorial integrity."

Additionally, Hezbollah issued a statement asserting that the assassination of Haniyeh would only strengthen the resolve of resistance fighters. 

The group emphasized that the act would "increase the determination of the resistance fighters to continue the path of jihad and strengthen their resolve in facing the Zionist enemy."

Meanwhile, Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, declared that the assassination of Haniyeh would "bring the battle to new dimensions," asserting that his blood "will not be shed in vain."

In response to the escalating tensions, “Israeli” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that while “Israel” does not seek to expand the scope of the aggression, it is prepared to handle all potential scenarios.