According to Israel Hayom reports, countries are actively working to prevent a worsening situation in the Middle East and to push forward with the hostage negotiations. The Prime Minister of Qatar has discussed ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. British Foreign and Defence Secretaries have arrived in Qatar to lead initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized, "Especially at this time, Israel is focused on creating a framework to enable the return of the hostages."
The mediating countries are responding today (Wednesday) by not only condemning Israel's actions but also trying to calm tensions and address the threats between Israel and the Iranian axis.
Egypt, a key player in the hostage negotiations, issued a statement condemning Israel’s "dangerous escalation policy over the past two days" and warned of "the potential for a conflict with severe security consequences." The Egyptians have urged the Security Council and major powers to take responsibility and halt the dangerous escalation in the region.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani condemned the assassination of Haniyeh, questioning, "How can negotiations continue when one party is killing those it is negotiating with?" He also discussed ongoing efforts with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. British Foreign and Defence Secretaries are in Qatar to facilitate an end to the conflict in Gaza.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the assassination, describing it as a "crime of escalation that will lead to increased tension and chaos." A senior French diplomat noted that "France is closely monitoring the situation. It calls for all possible measures to prevent new military escalation and will continue working with all parties to this end." France also advises its citizens against traveling to Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian territories.
The United Arab Emirates expressed serious concern about the ongoing escalation and its impact on regional stability and security. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has intensified his criticism of Israel, condemned the assassination as a "despicable act aimed at disrupting the Palestinian cause and the resistance of Gaza." Erdoğan expressed hope that the collective stance of the Islamic world and the global community will end the terror imposed by Israel, particularly the suppression and violence in Gaza, and bring peace to the region and the world.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin that "Israel does not intend to escalate the situation but remains on high alert and is prepared to respond to any actions by Hezbollah." Gallant added, "At this critical time, Israel is working to establish a framework for the return of the hostages. The security relationship between Israel and the U.S. is crucial to Israel’s regional standing and deterrence against Iran and its proxies."
Foreign Minister Israel Katz sent a letter to numerous foreign ministers, stating that Israel seeks to avoid a full-scale war and that the immediate implementation of UN Resolution 1701 (which calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and the deployment of UN forces in southern Lebanon) is the only way to prevent it. Another Israeli official emphasized that Israel is committed to the negotiations and aims for a successful resolution of the hostage deal.
Earlier, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned of a severe and painful response to what they termed the "cowardly terrorist act" by Israel. Hossam al-Asad, a member of the Houthi political bureau, added that "the response will be extensive and substantial, matching the scale of the event. The assassination of Haniyeh has crossed all red lines. The enemy has opened its own grave."
