The US pledged to send more weapons to Israel yesterday in advance of an expected ground assault in Gaza against Hamas, amid UN warnings that food and water supplies were running dangerously low in the blockaded enclave.
As America’s top diplomat flew into Israel following Saturday’s cross border assault by Hamas, the UK also announced it would send two warships and begin surveillance flights in its own show of support.
Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, pledged his country’s support for Israel “today, tomorrow, every day”. He told the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on a visit to the region that Israel “may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to – we will always be there by your side.”
The declaration of solidarity came as Israeli troop numbers continued to increase close to Gaza . Intense bombing of the narrow territory, which is home to 2.3 million Palestinians, continued for a sixth day , amid concerns about a growing humanitarian crisis.
Israel declared war on Hamas on Saturday after hundreds of Islamic militants broke through the Gaza security fence to massacre some 1,300 people in Israel, including children. Gunmen seized 150 people, who are being held hostage in Gaza.
The death toll in Gaza rose above 1,400, including 447 children and 248 women, Gaza’s health ministry said, as Israel strikes continued to pound buildings and neighbourhoods.
Denne historien er fra October 13, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 13, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career