US sends Gerald R Ford carrier strike group closer to Israel

President Joe Biden has directed US ships and warplanes to move closer to Israel as a demonstration of support on Sunday and has also authorized the provision of new military aid following attacks by the Palestinian group Hamas.

The Pentagon has announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean. Furthermore, they will be increasing the number of fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

The United States, a significant arms supplier to Israel, has promptly reaffirmed its strong support for Israel following Saturday’s unexpected attack from the Gaza Strip. They have pledged “rock-solid” support and cautioned other parties to refrain from involvement in the conflict.

Biden had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and informed him that further assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces is en route to Israel, with additional support to be provided in the coming days, according to the White House.

“The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation,” it said in a statement.

The US president further “pledged his full support for the Government and people of Israel in the face of an unprecedented and appalling assault by Hamas terrorists.”

The recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the most severe in decades, has resulted in over 600 casualties on the Israeli side, as reported by the government press office. In Gaza, officials have reported at least 370 deaths due to Israeli airstrikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has prepared his nation for what he described as a prolonged conflict, with tens of thousands of Israeli forces deployed to confront remaining Hamas elements and to potentially plan a ground offensive in Gaza.

Full US support

The conflict has also raised concerns about a broader regional crisis. Lebanon’s Hezbollah, backed by Iran, announced on Sunday that it had launched artillery shells and guided missiles at Israeli positions.

With tensions escalating, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that he would deploy forces to strengthen regional deterrence efforts following discussions with President Biden.

In addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier, this deployment includes a guided missile cruiser and four guided missile destroyers, as stated by Austin in a press release.

“The United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions,” Austin added.

The deployment of US ships and aircraft, along with the provision of aid to Israel, reaffirms the United States’ unwavering support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously stated that President Biden has directed his administration to provide Israel with all the necessary support to address the attacks from Hamas at this critical moment.

A number of Americans may also have been take hostage, Blinken said.

“We have reports that several Americans were killed. We’re working overtime to verify that. At the same time, there are reports of missing Americans and there again, we’re working to verify those reports,” Blinken said.

He told ABC that “This is a massive terrorist attack that is gunning down Israeli civilians in their towns, in their homes, and as we’ve seen so graphically, literally dragging people across the border with Gaza.”

“So, you can imagine the impact this is having throughout Israel. And the world should be revolted at what it has seen.”

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