US increases military presence in Middle East amidst Israel-Gaza conflict
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the US military revealed its decision to deploy more troops to the Middle East.
The United States is “enhancing” its capabilities in the Middle East by dispatching an additional guided missile submarine to the region “in response to escalating regional tensions,” as stated by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Sunday.
This update coincided with a conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
According to the statement, Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ dedication to taking all possible measures to protect Israel.
Secretary Austin directed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C jets, to expedite its journey to the Middle East, which was originally scheduled to arrive by the end of the month.
While the Lincoln was already en route to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, it will now supplement the capabilities of the Roosevelt.
Additionally, Austin has instructed the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to head to the Middle East.
The statement does not specify when the Lincoln or the USS Georgia will reach the region.
-ABC News’ Anne Flaherty
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted around 30 “projectiles” that were identified as crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel early Monday morning local time, according to the IDF’s announcement.
The IDF reported no injuries resulting from these attacks.
“The IDF is targeting the origins of the gunfire,” the IDF stated.
-ABC News’ Dana Savir
Leaders of Hamas are urging mediators involved in the cease-fire negotiations with Israel to propose a plan based on previous discussions rather than initiating new ones, as stated in a release on Sunday.
Hamas also seemed to reject the “new terms” introduced to the cease-fire proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in July, citing Israel’s subsequent escalation of aggression and atrocities against their people.
This recent development in the ongoing cease-fire negotiations followed diplomatic efforts from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to convene a new round of discussions between Israel and Hamas on August 15 in either Doha or Cairo. While Israel agreed to send a delegation, Hamas had yet to respond until now.
The upcoming talks were widely viewed as the final opportunity to reach an agreement between the conflicting parties.
-ABC News’ Ghazi Balkiz, Nasser Atta