Israeli Forces Intensify Offensive in Gaza, US Vows Response to Jordan Killings

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel launched a renewed assault on Gaza’s main northern city, despite having withdrawn from the area weeks prior. The attack unfolded overnight, with reports of air strikes hitting neighborhoods across Gaza city, resulting in numerous casualties.

Simultaneously, the United States faced a tragic incident as three servicemen lost their lives and at least 34 others were wounded in a drone attack by Iran-backed militants in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border. This marks the first deadly strike on U.S. forces in West Asia since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war.

U.S. President Joe Biden attributed the attacks to radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq. Iran has denied any involvement, but the severity of the incident has prompted calls from U.S. politicians for a direct response. President Biden has ordered retaliatory attacks on Iranian-backed groups, emphasizing the commitment to holding those responsible to account.

The situation further escalated as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for firing a rocket at the U.S. warship Lewis B Puller in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, adding to the complexities of the regional tensions.

Amid these developments, Israel expressed gratitude to India for its friendship and support, engaging in discussions with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on regional security threats. The talks included considerations for the security of shipping and regional projects connecting India with the Middle East.

The conflict has entered a critical phase, with the international community closely monitoring the evolving situation and the United States poised to respond to the attacks on its forces.