US moves warships closer to Israel after Hamas attack

The United States has announced its intention to deploy an aircraft carrier, ships, and aircraft to the eastern Mediterranean and provide additional equipment and ammunition to Israel. This decision comes in response to a Hamas attack on southern Israel that President Biden characterized as an “unprecedented and appalling assault.”

A spokesperson for US National Security revealed that several US citizens were among the casualties of this attack. Israel has reported over 700 fatalities and 100 abductions, while Gaza has witnessed more than 400 casualties as a result of retaliatory Israeli airstrikes, according to Palestinian officials.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin disclosed that the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, a missile cruiser, and four missile destroyers are en route to the region. Fighter jets will also be dispatched. The White House confirmed that additional military assistance would be provided to Israel in the coming days, emphasizing its commitment to prevent Israel’s adversaries from exploiting the situation.

This significant military deployment reflects US concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could potentially escalate and involve other parts of the region. The US is particularly eager to prevent Lebanon’s Hezbollah, supported by Iran, from becoming embroiled in the conflict. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi expressed support for the Hamas attack and held Israel accountable for destabilizing the region.

Hamas has acknowledged receiving support from Iran, which enabled it to carry out the attack involving rockets, drones, militants on paragliders, and the breach of Israeli border fortifications around the Gaza Strip. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that while there is no direct evidence of Iranian involvement in this specific attack, Iran has been a long-standing supporter of Hamas.

At a UN Security Council meeting, Iran denied any involvement in the attack on Israel. Many people remain missing, including 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Golberg-Polin, who was at a desert music festival stormed by militants. Reports also indicate the disappearance of other North Americans, including peace activist Vivian Silver.

Israel’s ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, acknowledged that Americans were among the abducted soldiers and civilians in southern Israel but did not have specific details. The United States provides substantial military aid to Israel annually, making it a major ally. Israel has been the largest recipient of US foreign aid since World War Two.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene in New York to discuss the ongoing violence in Israel and Gaza.