2024-04-30 23:45:00
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin did not rule out that US troops, who will participate in the operation of a temporary floating pier off the coast of the Gaza Strip, might be drawn into hostilities in the enclave Palestinian.
Speaking on Tuesday at a hearing before the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives, the Pentagon chief confirmed that the mentioned US military contingent will have the right to retaliate.
“They have the right, for purposes of self-defense, to respond to an open complaint. [по ним] fire”, Austin said.
Answering questions from members of Congress Matt Goetzhe confirmed that a scenario is entirely possible in which these American troops in the Gaza Strip would open fire and start fighting back.
“It’s possible. Yes. I hope we still have the ability to defend ourselves.” – Austin emphasized.
He insisted, however, that this type of scenario does not amount to the transfer of American troops to the Gaza Strip. Gaetz reminded him that the American president Joe Biden promised to prevent the deployment of American troops “on the ground” in the Gaza Strip.
“And in us [их там] will not be. I think you’ll find that the American people have a different view on this. » — said Goetz regarding Austin’s explanations.
Additionally, Austin said that “the Israelis will provide additional protection [войск США] in this area.”
Earlier, the US Department of Defense announced that US troops had begun construction of a temporary port for the delivery of humanitarian aid, which will be located a few kilometers from the northern coast of Gaza. The Pentagon estimates that its construction will take 10 to 14 days, maybe a little longer.
On March 7, Biden announced that Washington was establishing a temporary port in the Gaza Strip to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave by sea. The plan also includes the construction of a floating dock approximately 550 meters long for the unloading of humanitarian goods that will be transferred from Cyprus. Around 1,000 American soldiers will be involved in ensuring the operation of the platform. The Pentagon assured that it would not leave the shore dock in the Gaza Strip when delivering humanitarian aid.
1714533609
#troops #drawn #Gaza #conflict #EADaily #Israel #News #Israel #Israel #News
