"U.S. Bolsters Support for Israel in Hamas Hostage Standoff"

The Biden administration is providing military support to Israel in its conflict with Hamas, promising aid in the ongoing hostage standoff. The Pentagon is "surging support" to Israel, including munitions and repositioning military assets, to demonstrate the United States' commitment to its ally and deter Iran or its proxy groups from launching further attacks. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group and additional aircraft are being deployed to the region. President Biden expressed sorrow for the loss of American lives and pledged support in freeing hostages. The intensifying war poses a challenge for Biden's foreign policy focus on China and Ukraine. The situation threatens to draw the U.S. more deeply into the conflict and the Middle East.