ISRAEL GAZA CONFLICT IS ALREADY GAINING AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT
The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict is a vast, complex one that is at least a century plus in the making. Throughout 2023, there have been a few notable attacks between the two sides. However, the Israel-Gaza Strip hit a full turn into a war on October 7, 2023. This is after Hamas and other military groups sent rockets into Israeli communities, kidnapped civilians, massacred others, and attacked military forces. As of this writing, the situation involving the Gaza Strip has formally evolved into a war between the two sides. Now, the United States is pledging to support Israel as an ally. By all accounts, this has the makings to be more direct than the support seen in Ukraine. This could even lead to American troops once again having boots on the ground. Here’s what we know so far. Related read: The Real Story of Team Lioness That Inspired Taylor Sheridan's new Spy Thriller
Is Gaza a Part of Israel?
At the center of the Israel-Gaza events is a question of who controls the Gaza Strip and the larger region recognized as the state of Israel. Feels complicated? That’s because it is. On May 14, 1948, the state of Israel was born. President Harry Truman was the first leader to recognize its existence. From there, the U.S. had strongly aligned itself as a supporter and ally. This is something that has rang true for decades. However, the Israel-Gaza conflict goes even further back involving multiple World Wars, the concept of Zionism, the development of Palestine, and even involving modern-day settlements. This has prompted harsh responses from both sides. Want to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these events? Vox Borders has an excellent video breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRYZjOuUnlU But regardless of whether or not Israel is in the Gaza Strip or vice versa, the situation is much more complex from an American standpoint. The pledging of support, stances that go back for decades, and regional involvement in the Middle East only add to the situation.
What We Know
The Gaza bombing of Israel by Hamas is setting off a sizable chain of events. But the response has been swift and so too has the need for one. Particularly, not only from the stance of being an ally but to protect the Americans affected in the Middle East:
- At least 14 Americans have been killed from the attacks and there are another 20 or more unaccounted for.
- U.S. intelligence has confirmed that Americans have been taken hostage by Hamas.
- There are ongoing concerns that conflict in the region could have many other nations getting involved. Additionally, conflict could spill over into volatile regions and make things worse for civilians abroad.
Suggested read: Who Was al-Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri & Who Gets His Bounty?
American Involvement and Duty
While the rumor of $8B in aid to Israel has proven to be untrue so far, the White House confirmed the delivery of critical munitions and military equipment to the country. They have also harshly condemned the terrorist attacks from Hamas. In addition to money and military supplies, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean to offer air support and prevent regional conflict. This will entail both maritime and air operations in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the nation of Israel. President Biden is looking to avoid boots on the ground during the Israel Gaza conflict. This led to him issuing a stern warning to other nations about involvement. However, there has already been the confirmation of operations for gathering intel and possible strikes from the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt deployments. They will also work with the U.S. Air Force to complete missions. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is providing planning and intelligence support to assist Israeli efforts to rescue hostages held by Hamas. There is a focus on intelligence and planning rather than deploying troops on the ground from Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Still, with much of the initial help and response looking to steer away from actively putting American troops in the area directly, other signs have been telling. President Biden’s commitment to freeing hostages has been clear. Now, Israel has all signs that it’s planning a ground assault of its own.
Gaza Israel Conflict the Latest in Ongoing Global Events for America
The death toll continues to rise with thousands of individual tragedies so far. Take for instance the Supernova music festival, where assailants were destroying several neighborhoods. More violence is to come. Israel has already ordered people to evacuate entire neighborhoods as fears grow that a ground assault is mounting. 360,000 Israeli reservists have been called up so far. This is the largest ever, as many living abroad are looking for a way to the center of the conflict. Again, it is unsure whether U.S. troops are going directly to help our ally. Regardless, individuals are expecting heavy involvement from our nation. The Israel-Gaza fallout has just begun. At a time when tensions are rising in other areas of concern for the U.S., allies and adversaries alike are watching our response. Read next: US Military Aid to Ukraine is Far From the Only American Aid We Give