President Joe Biden has heightened the U.S. military stance near Israel, dispatching naval and air forces, while pledging additional military assistance in response to Hamas’ attacks.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, along with several other warships, are being relocated to the eastern Mediterranean, and fighter jet squadrons in the vicinity are being reinforced, as confirmed by the Pentagon and US Central Command.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has identified that a minimum of four U.S. citizens have fallen victim to the recent spate of violence.
Reaffirming the U.S.’ unwavering support for Israel, Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assuring that fresh aid for the Israeli Defense Forces was en route, and more would be dispatched soon. Both leaders deliberated on preventing adversaries from exploiting the current crisis.
Despite Israel receiving substantial arms support from the U.S., Hamas labeled the U.S.’ recent naval movements as an act of aggression.
The sudden surge in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s intensity has resulted in over 700 Israeli casualties and around 400 deaths in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, according to respective official sources. Netanyahu is bracing Israel for a prolonged conflict, with a considerable Israeli force contingent already on standby.
The regional tension isn’t limited to just these players. Hezbollah in Lebanon announced that it had targeted Israeli locations with projectiles.
To further emphasize the U.S.’ commitment to Israel’s defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin disclosed the U.S.’ plan to supply Israel with more military resources, reflecting America’s steadfast support.
At a United Nations Security Council gathering, the U.S. fronted the drive to censure Hamas’ aggression towards Israel.
U.S. diplomat Robert Wood expressed his anticipation for unanimous condemnation of these grave acts of terrorism against Israel.
Further concerning news came from a U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, acknowledging the deaths of several Americans, details of which remain scarce. Schumer mentioned post a Senate briefing that the known death toll of Americans stood at four but was expected to rise.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at possible American abductions during these assaults. He shared his distress regarding the brutal terrorist activities, underscoring the gravity of the situation in Israel and urging global denouncement.
U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston are ramping up security measures around synagogues, albeit there’s no direct threat identified.