"US Prepares for Potential Mass Evacuation as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates"

The White House is engaging in "prudent contingency planning" to evacuate Americans from the Middle East in case the Israel-Hamas war escalates into a broader regional conflict. While there are currently no active efforts beyond charter flights, the U.S. government is preparing for potential evacuations. President Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed efforts to deter state and non-state actors from widening the conflict, with the U.S. warning Iran against involvement. The Pentagon is anticipating increased violence and attacks from Iranian proxy forces. Biden believes Hamas attacked Israel to prevent the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Talks for broader recognition of Israel were interrupted after Hamas militants stormed Israeli towns. Biden expressed concern over the slow arrival of humanitarian aid in Gaza, where the situation is dire. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties, and the U.S. is deploying additional forces and air defense systems to the region.