US President Joe Biden has expressed "deep concern" about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, noting that the assassination of Hamas' political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, does not help in achieving a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Biden confirmed on Friday that he had a "very direct" conversation with Israeli Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The White House previously stated that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the recent escalation in the region and explored options for increased US military support to defend Tel Aviv against potential threats. Biden reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Tel Aviv from all threats, including those posed by Iran.

Meanwhile, the body of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau, arrived in Doha on Thursday after being transported from Tehran. Haniyeh's funeral will take place in Doha's Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque following Friday prayers. He will be buried in the Imam Foundation Cemetery in Lusail.

Hamas announced on July 31 that Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, attributing his death to a "treacherous Zionist raid" on his residence. The Iranian Supreme Leader vowed "severe punishment" for Israeli Occupation, asserting the necessity of avenging Haniyeh’s death on Iranian soil.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, stated that Haniyeh's assassination was an attempt by Israeli Occupation to cover up its failures, emphasizing that Hamas will continue its resistance. Al-Hayya described Haniyeh's death as a clear signal of the movement's determination to persist in its struggle against Israeli Occupation.