Escalation in Israeli-Hamas Conflict Prompts US Deployment of Nuclear Aircraft Carrier

In the midst of a deepening conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian Hamas militant group, the casualty toll has surged, with over 700 Israelis and 500 Palestinians reported dead and thousands injured. This intensification of hostilities resulted from a series of Hamas attacks on Israel from Gaza, followed by Israeli airstrikes in retaliation.

The Israeli health ministry disclosed that more than 700 Israelis lost their lives, 100 were kidnapped, and over 2,500 sustained injuries. Simultaneously, Palestinian health officials reported approximately 370 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes and 2,200 people injured in Gaza.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously declared that the country was at war, but Sunday’s decision by the Israeli cabinet formalized the nation’s stance, akin to a declaration of war by the United States Congress. Israeli forces have already inflicted heavy casualties on Hamas, with hundreds of fighters killed, thousands wounded, and scores captured.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a substantial counterattack, commencing with a predawn operation that involved the release of “tens of tons of bombs,” according to IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. This operation targeted around 800 sites, including Hamas launching pads, with 50 aircraft striking 120 locations in Beit Hanoun alone.

In response to the escalating conflict, US President Joe Biden has directed additional support for Israel. A US Navy carrier strike group is en route to the eastern Mediterranean Sea as Israel prepares for an extensive campaign against Hamas in Gaza. The USS Gerald R. Ford, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, recently sailed alongside the Italian Navy, positioning it in proximity to Israel.

The carrier will be accompanied by guided missile destroyers and guided missile cruisers, reinforcing the US military presence in the region. Furthermore, the US is bolstering its fighter jet deployment, including F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 squadrons, in response to rising tensions across the Middle East, prompted by Iranian actions in various areas, such as Syria and the Gulf of Oman.