U.s. Ships Head to the Eastern Mediterranean as Tensions Rise Between Israel and Gaza

On Sunday, a US source said that the country could “confirm the deaths of several US citizens” in the surprise land-sea-air strike on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas. The spokeswoman for the National Security Council did not give any other information, such as the total number of casualties or the names of the deceased Americans. According to the official, American officials have been in touch with their Israeli counterparts and are keeping a close eye on the situation. In addition, he offered his deepest sympathies to the victim’s loved ones.

The attack marked a significant escalation in Israel and Hamas’ confrontation. After invading Israeli territory near the Gaza border and killing civilians and soldiers, Hamas militants began firing rockets at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. After the missile fire, Israel’s air and ground forces responded in force, resulting in thousands of casualties. According to the Israeli military, this is their “Pearl Harbor moment.”

IDF fighter jets just struck Hamas terrorist targets in Gaza that were used to attack Israel.

We will continue to protect Israeli civilians.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023

According to the Egyptian presidency, on Sunday President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan about the situation. In a joint statement, the two presidents called on all parties to take action to stabilize the situation. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford would be repositioning to the eastern Mediterranean and deploying additional fighter plane squadrons as a show of support for Israel.

I spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry about the horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israel. We appreciate Egypt’s ongoing efforts and reiterate the urgent need to halt the Hamas attacks.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 7, 2023

I spoke with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi about the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel and the need to coordinate efforts to bring them to a halt and restore calm.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 8, 2023

“USCENTCOM stands firmly with our Israeli and regional partners to address the risks of any party seeking to expand the conflict,” said General Michael
“Erik” Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.https://t.co/URHNRuPLkV pic.twitter.com/Dgclz8PuwC

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 8, 2023

Sunday’s TV talk show circuit featured Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who claimed the United States was working to confirm claims that some Americans had been slain and that others had been taken prisoner. He didn’t provide an estimate for the number of Americans killed or missing, but he did say that it might go up once a complete accounting was done. He pointed out that nearly all the victims were American citizens living in Israel.

To help it in its struggle against Hamas, the United States will keep supplying Israel with weaponry, he said. He demanded that the other members of the UN Security Council denounce the brutal attacks on Israelis and Palestinians.

As a result of the attack, multiple airlines have canceled flights to various locations within Israel. The State Department has warned American travelers to “exercise increased caution” when traveling to Israel and the West Bank due to “terrorism and civil unrest.”

Pleased to welcome Jim O’Brien as our Assistant Secretary for @StateEUR. We are fortunate to have someone with his experience and commitment at this critical time. https://t.co/WicmHECrRw

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 7, 2023

Israeli hostages number in the dozens, according to Mousa Abu Marzouk, a spokesman for the militant group Hamas. He continued by saying that the terrorists were attempting to sabotage talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. In addition, he demanded that Israel end its onslaught against the Palestinians and free their hostages.

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The situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories has prompted the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency meeting. A senior US official told reporters that he anticipated other members to join the US in strongly condemning the horrible acts of violence committed by both sides, including the US-led demands for condemnation of the Hamas assault.