The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has directed the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and another warship to remain in the Mediterranean Sea, close to Israel, amid its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip. American media reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and another warship to stay in the Mediterranean for several more weeks. The Pentagon’s decision is aimed at maintaining their presence near Israel as the war against Hamas continues.
The Pentagon has intensified its military presence in the region following Hamas’ attacks on October 7th, aiming to deter Iran from escalating the war into a regional conflict. This is the third time the deployment of the USS Ford carrier has been extended, reflecting U.S. concerns about the volatility in the region during the Israeli war on Gaza.
The United States reportedly has two aircraft carriers in the region, a rare occurrence in recent years. The U.S. consistently reaffirms its strong commitment to Israel’s security, providing necessary support for its self-defense.
Since October 7th, the Israeli military has been conducting military operations in the Gaza Strip. This began when the Palestinian movement Hamas announced the start of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood,” launching thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel and infiltrating Israeli towns near the Strip, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of around 250 others.
A seven-day ceasefire was achieved through Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediation during the battles. This ceasefire allowed for a prisoner exchange involving women and children and the entry of agreed quantities of aid into the Gaza Strip before military operations resumed on December 1st.
The Israeli attack on Gaza has resulted in over 18,000 deaths, predominantly children and women, and more than 50,000 injuries.
