The United States will send a submarine and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East as European leaders call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Leaders of several European countries have approved the latest initiative by mediators to negotiate an agreement to end the war between Israel and Hamaswhich has been going on for ten months.
The statement, signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also calls for the return of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and the transport “unhindered” humanitarian aid.
This three-phase plan provides the release of hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The statement, mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, also calls on Iran and its allies to refrain from any retaliatory attacks that could escalate regional tensions following the assassination of two high-ranking activists last month in Beirut and Tehran.
“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of tensions in the region and united in our commitment to de-escalation and regional stability.”we can read in the joint statement published on X.
“No country or nation has anything to gain from further escalation in the Middle East”.
Israel in a state of “preparation”
Hours later, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a televised interview in Tel Aviv thatIsrael was in a state of “preparation” and of “vigilance” in the face of imminent retaliatory strikes from Lebanon and Iran.
“The threats from Tehran and Beirut could come true, and it is important to explain to everyone that preparedness and vigilance are not synonymous with fear and panic.”he adds.
Yoav Galant also defended Israel’s operations in Gaza, saying: “We are committed to achieving the objectives of the war, namely to create the conditions necessary for the return of the hostages”.
According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, Some 39,897 people have died in Gaza since the start of the war, and more than 92,000 people have been injured..
US reinforcements imminent
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered sending a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, while requesting an aircraft carrier to quickly reach the regionaccording to the country’s Defense Ministry.
The United States and its allies have sought to ease rising tensions in the region following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
The authorities are on the lookout for retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah following these assassinationswhich prompted the United States to strengthen its presence in the region.
Meanwhile, a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip received the bodies of 13 people, including a child, killed in Israeli strikes on Khan Younis, Gaza’s second city.
According to local press and civilians, Thousands of people have fled southern Gaza City after Israel ordered residents to evacuate the area by dropping leaflets from planes.