The Hamas movement reacted to the United States decision to dispatch an aircraft carrier to the Eastern Mediterranean. Representatives from the group warned that the White House should heed the consequences of such a move, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera cited a Hamas statement saying, “Sending an American aircraft carrier does not intimidate us, and the American administration should be aware of the consequences of this action.”
Earlier, it was reported in the United States that the world’s largest warship, the Gerald R. Ford, had been sent to the region to back Israel.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin noted that the carrier would be accompanied by a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser and four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The plan appears to be to deploy this force to safeguard American citizens in Israel.
On 7 October, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and announced the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. In response, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared a state of emergency in the country.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is at war. The IDF said its operation against Hamas was named “Iron Swords,” and in retaliation for air strikes, 21 Hamas targets were struck in the Gaza Strip.
The duration of the broader conflict remains uncertain as both sides prepare for the next phase of escalation, with security officials monitoring developments and potential regional spillover.