The United States has announced its intention to provide military support to Israel and bolster its naval and air force presence in the region in response to the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians. This move comes amid widespread condemnation of the attack and growing concerns expressed by the United Nations about the volatile situation in the area.


In a conversation between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, it was conveyed that additional assistance for the Israel Defence Forces is in transit, with more to follow in the coming days. This information was shared in a statement from the White House. The US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, specified that this military support would encompass various equipment and resources, including munitions.

Additionally, Austin announced the deployment of the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike group, which includes guided missile destroyers, to the eastern Mediterranean. The US will also increase the presence of its air force squadrons with fighter planes in the region, a move described as a show of deterrence.

Secretary Austin noted, "The US maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required."

Reports indicated that there were Americans among the victims of the conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that efforts were underway to verify reports of "several Americans" killed in the fighting, with others missing. Michael Herzog, the Israeli ambassador to the US, disclosed that there were several Americans among the hostages taken by Hamas militants back into Gaza.

In response to the escalating violence, an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council was convened in the hope of achieving a rare moment of unity. Tor Wennesland, the UN Middle East peace envoy, cautioned, "This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink."

In Berlin, social media posts from the police showed individuals celebrating the attacks on Israel by distributing pastries. The authorities conducted identity checks and, in some instances, filed charges. Notably, Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate was illuminated with the Israeli flag's colors on Saturday night.

Britain's Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, mentioned consulting with the Community Security Trust, a charity devoted to the welfare of British Jews, to ensure the government's commitment to safeguarding Jewish communities. Braverman also issued a warning that the police would take action against public expressions of support for Hamas. She asserted, "There must be zero tolerance for antisemitism or glorification of terrorism on the streets of Britain. I expect the police to use the full force of the law against displays of support for Hamas, other proscribed terrorist groups, or attempts to intimidate British Jews."

The reaction from the Arab and Islamic world was divided. Some countries called for restraint from both sides, while others squarely blamed Israel for its treatment of Palestinians and the indiscriminate nature of retaliatory actions on residential buildings in Gaza.

The Saudi foreign ministry and the United Arab Emirates called for an immediate cessation of violence. Egypt expressed concerns about the situation and warned of grave consequences, urging maximum restraint to protect civilians. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for restraint from all parties involved. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, called for an end to all acts of violence but highlighted the underlying issue as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.