World

Washington [US], October 9: According to a statement from the US Army Central Command (USCENTCOM) on October 8, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group has begun moving to the eastern Mediterranean region. The group includes the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the four guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). ), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
USCENTCOM also added squadrons of US Air Force F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft to the region. "USCENTCOM stands closely with Israel and our regional partners to respond to risks from any side seeking to expand the conflict," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, head of USCENTCOM. know in the announcement posted on the website.
US President Joe Biden on the same day informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that additional US aid to the Israel Defense Forces is being delivered to Israel and that more aid will be available in the coming days, according to a House statement. White about the phone call between the two leaders. US Vice President Kamala Harris also had a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
In a later statement, the Pentagon said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to update him on the US response and "expressed support for Israeli citizens as well as receive updates on Israel's activities to restore security and safety after the terrorist attack by Hamas ".
"The Secretary reaffirmed America's steadfast support for Israel's right to self-defense," the Pentagon said. According to the statement, Mr. Austin emphasized that the US steps "are being taken to strengthen the US military posture in the region thereby enhancing deterrence efforts".
Hamas, a Palestinian political-military organization, invaded Israeli towns from Gaza on October 7, kidnapping hostages and carrying out the deadliest attack in decades. Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza on October 8, with more than 1,100 people believed to have been killed on both sides.
CNN reported on October 8 that at least three Americans were among those killed in Israel because of an attack by Hamas, a force that Washington considers a terrorist organization.
According to Reuters, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Times Square in New York City and near the White House in Washington DC on October 8 to express their opposition to US support for Israel.
Some protesters carried signs that read "Stop US aid" and "Protest is not terrorism." New York Governor Kathy Hochul on October 7 condemned the plan to organize such protests.
Several international airlines said on October 8 that they had suspended direct flights to Tel Aviv, including three US airlines United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines as well as French airline Air France.
AFP quoted diplomats as saying that in an emergency meeting on October 8, the United Nations Security Council did not consider any joint statement, let alone a binding resolution. While the US calls for strong condemnation of Hamas, the group of members led by Russia hopes discussions will focus on other important issues other than this.
Germany has debated whether it should stop aid to the Palestinians after the Hamas attack. Some German lawmakers, especially opposition conservatives, have called for an end to aid. But opposition came from the Left Party, also in the opposition, and the Green Party, a partner in the coalition government.
France also has a similar move. The French government said a French citizen died in Israel as a result of the conflict. Meanwhile, Britain reported one citizen dead and another missing. Mexico also said two of its citizens were likely kidnapped by Hamas in the October 7 attack.
Countries have also begun efforts to bring citizens in Israel home. Polish President Andrzej Duda said the country will send military aircraft to evacuate its citizens from Israel. In Athens, the Greek Foreign Ministry said it was working to repatriate 149 Greek tourists from Israel and that 81 of them were expected to return by the end of October 8.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper