US Sends Submarine to Middle East, Boosting Military Presence in Region Over Escalation Fears

Washington is deploying the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to the Middle East while accelerating the transit of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, equipped with F-35C fighters, in response to rising regional tensions, CBS News reports, citing Pentagon.

During a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Secretary of Defense Austin reaffirmed the US commitment to defending Israel, discussed Israel’s actions in Gaza, and efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, alongside strategies to deter Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed factions, Pentagon sad.

Last week, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France issued a joint statement calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian aid. They urged Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict.

In recent updates, Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry reported 142 deaths in a series oof Israeli strikes over the past 48 hours, bringing the total casualties in Gaza since the outbreak of war to 39,897. The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of some 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 hostages.

Currently, around 110 hostages are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, with Israeli authorities assessing that about a third may no longer be alive.

One of the deadliest incidents recently occurred when an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, killing at least 80 people. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Hamas command center within the mosque premises, asserting that the munitions used were accurate and could not account for the reported destruction.

In response, Hamas claimed that those killed were displaced individuals seeking refuge and were struck while engaging in morning prayers.