Washington - The United States will be deploying multiple military vessels and aircraft in closer proximity to Israel, as an expression of solidarity, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Washington suspects that Hamas' recent deadly attacks may have been aimed at disrupting potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

On Saturday, Hamas militants launched attacks within Israeli towns, resulting in one of the deadliest days for Israel in decades. Israel responded with airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday, leading to casualties on both sides and raising concerns about the escalation of violence potentially sparking a major conflict in the Middle East.

At least three Americans were among those killed during the recent events, as per a U.S. memo.

Defense Secretary Austin announced the relocation of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean, closer to Israel. This task force includes the aircraft carrier, a guided missile cruiser, and four guided missile destroyers.

Furthermore, Austin disclosed that the United States has taken steps to bolster the presence of U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft squadrons in the region, including F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft. The U.S. will also provide munitions to Israel.

President Joe Biden assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of additional support for the Israeli Defense Forces, with more assistance forthcoming in the coming days. Vice President Kamala Harris also held a discussion with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The Pentagon later issued a statement indicating that Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to provide updates on U.S. responses and express support for Israel's efforts to restore security and safety following the Hamas attack. Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel's right to self-defense and emphasized that U.S. actions aimed to enhance regional deterrence.

In response to these developments, a few dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Times Square, New York City, and near the White House in Washington, expressing opposition to U.S. support for Israel. Some protesters held banners advocating for ending U.S. aid and emphasizing that "resistance is not terrorism." New York Governor Kathy Hochul had criticized these demonstrations as "morally repugnant."

Hamas launched a significant and deadly attack on Israel on Saturday, marking the most substantial and lethal incursion since Egypt and Syria's sudden assault during the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that part of the motivation behind the attacks might be to disrupt efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, along with other countries considering diplomatic ties with Israel. Hamas had cited escalated Israeli actions in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and against Palestinians in Israeli prisons as reasons for their strikes, along with concerns related to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Gaza blockade, and Israel's normalization efforts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously expressed optimism about achieving peace with Saudi Arabia, believing it could reshape the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has traditionally demanded Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for recognizing Israel, a stance that has faced resistance within Netanyahu's nationalist religious coalition.

Despite the recent attack, the United States expressed support for continued normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel. U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer stated that it would be in the best interest of both countries to pursue this possibility.

Secretary of State Blinken characterized the attack on Israel as a "terrorist attack by a terrorist organization" and noted that while there was relative calm in most of Israel on Sunday, intense fighting continued in Gaza, a Palestinian enclave under Israeli blockade. Gaza has been a site of protests by youth groups, driven by longstanding grievances related to the Israeli military occupation, the Palestinian national cause, and economic challenges.

Blinken also mentioned that there was currently no evidence suggesting Iran's involvement in the recent attack on Israel, but he acknowledged the longstanding ties between Iran and Hamas, which governs Gaza.