US sends aircraft to support Israel

As the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, the US is sending an aircraft carrier strike group to the region to support Israel.

In a statement, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin announced that, following discussions with US President Joe Biden, the Department of Defense has taken several steps to strengthen its posture in the region in response to Hamas's attacks on Israel.

Austin announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its accompanying strike group have been sent to Israel for support, and also stated that steps have been taken to bolster US Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter jet squadrons in the region.

Stating that the US government will rapidly provide the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with additional equipment and resources, including ammunition, Austin said, “The first security assistance will begin moving today and arrive in the coming days.”

DEATH TOLL RISING

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, launched the 'Al-Aqsa Flood Operation' against Israel yesterday morning (October 7, 2023), while Israel responded with 'Operation Iron Swords.' In the clashes so far, 413 people have lost their lives on the Palestinian side, including 78 children and 41 women, and 2,243 people have been injured, including 213 children and 140 women.

On the Israeli side, 700 people have lost their lives, and a total of 2,156 people have been injured, 20 of them critically. Israeli officials announced that at least 100 Israeli citizens are being held captive in Gaza.

News Source: İHA