“The Pentagon has announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying warships to the Mediterranean, along with an increase in fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.”
In the wake of a powerful response by the resistance group Hamas against perceived Israeli aggression, President Joe Biden ordered the deployment of US ships near Israel in support of Israel. This decision was accompanied by further military assistance being released to aid Israel in its conflict with Palestinians.
The Pentagon issued a statement announcing the dispatch of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean. Fighter aircraft squadrons in the region were also bolstered as part of this response. The US Central Command confirmed that ships and planes had started moving to their designated positions.
The United States, a major arms supplier to Israel, expressed its support for Tel Aviv following a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip. The US pledged “rock solid” support and warned parties to avoid involvement in the standoff.
During a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Joe Biden conveyed that additional assistance would be provided to the Israeli Defense Forces, with more to follow in the coming days. The leaders discussed ongoing efforts to prevent any adversaries of Israel from taking advantage of the situation.
Hamas accused the US of actively participating in the aggression against the Palestinian people by deploying the aircraft carrier.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s recent escalation, the worst in decades, has resulted in over 600 casualties on the Israeli side, while Gaza officials reported at least 400 fatalities due to Israeli airstrikes.
Netanyahu anticipated a protracted conflict, with tens of thousands of Israeli forces deployed to confront Hamas and prepare for a possible ground offensive in Gaza. The situation raised concerns about further escalation.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement also fired shells and missiles at Israeli positions, adding to regional tensions. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the deployment of US forces to enhance regional deterrence efforts.
The US aid package included the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier, a guided missile cruiser, and four guided missile destroyers. The US government pledged to provide the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) with additional equipment and resources, including munitions.
The United States led calls for condemnation of Hamas’ assault on Israel at the United Nations Security Council.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that President Biden ordered the administration to provide Israel with all necessary support to deal with attacks from Hamas. He also expressed concern about the possible hostage situation involving American citizens.
State and local authorities in the US announced increased security measures at synagogues in various cities as a precaution, although there was no specific threat.