ISLAMABAD: The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Israel has decided to postpone its invasion of the Gaza Strip to facilitate the installation of missile defense systems by the United States.
The report, citing statements from US and Israeli officials, indicated that Israel has temporarily agreed to the US request to position air defense systems ahead of the planned ground offensive. According to the publication, US officials successfully convinced Israel to delay the attack until the air defense systems could be deployed, potentially by the end of this week.
The report also noted that the Pentagon is expediting the deployment of approximately 12 air defense systems to protect US soldiers in various locations, including Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision was driven by significant concerns among US military authorities regarding the safety of their troops, as they anticipated that various militant factions might target US forces once the ground operation commenced.
In addition to military considerations, Israel is also taking into account diplomatic efforts to secure the release of additional hostages held by Hamas. Furthermore, there are discussions about providing humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza.
Oxfam has reported that hunger is being employed as a weapon of war against the civilian population in Gaza, with only 2% of the region’s typical food supply being delivered since Israel imposed a “total siege.” The health ministry in Gaza has stated that the healthcare system is severely compromised. Since October 7, more than 1,400 people have lost their lives in Israel, and at least 6,546 Palestinians have died due to Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Biden And Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Ways To Stop Israeli Military Operations In Gaza
Meanwhile, speaking during a call he received from US President Joe Biden, Saudi Crown Prince MBS discussed the military escalation taking place in Gaza and the efforts being made to end the war that began following a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 by the Hamas group.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman also called on the need to find solutions to rejecting the targeting of civilians in any way, or the targeting of infrastructure and vital interests that affect their daily lives or forced displacement.
He stressed the need for calm, stopping the escalation, and not allowing it to deteriorate in a way that affects the security and stability of the region, and the need to adhere to international humanitarian law, lift the siege on Gaza, preserve basic services, and allow the entry of humanitarian and medical aid.
