US says escalation of Middle East conflict not inevitable
- 01 Aug 2024
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby speaks to the media. File photo
The White House said on Wednesday it does not see an escalation of conflict as inevitable following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and the U.S. is still working to reach a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Speaking at a daily briefing, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said it was too early to say whether the latest events in the Middle East would affect prospects for a ceasefire agreement.
He said US President Joe Biden had been briefed on the developments in the region.
Reuters