The US has ordered the acceleration of deployment of fighter jets and navy warships to the Middle East in response to potential threats from Iran and its allies after the killing of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah. Defence secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group and a guided missile submarine to be sent to the region, following discussions with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant.
The US had already planned to deploy additional resources to support Israeli defenses in the wake of escalating tensions. The recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr have raised fears of a wider conflict in the region.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas have faced challenges, with Hamas showing reluctance to engage in new negotiations. Thousands have fled the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis amid warnings of a potential Israeli military operation to target Hamas militants in the area.
President Biden had proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan back in May, but implementing it has proven difficult due to ongoing obstacles. The US and regional mediators have been working on brokering a deal, but Hamas has accused Israel of not being serious about pursuing a ceasefire.
As tensions in the region continue to escalate, the deployment of US military assets to the Middle East signals a commitment to supporting regional allies and maintaining stability in the face of potential threats.
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