Israel-Hamas war: China deploys warships to West Asia amid escalating tensions in region

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly dispatched six warships to the region. These warships, which include the Zibo, a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, the frigate Jingzhou, and the integrated supply ship Qiandaohu, are part of the PLA’s 44th naval escort task force, South China Morning Post reported. Interestingly this Chinese task force recently participated in a joint military exercise with Oman, showcasing China’s increasing presence in West Asia. This comes following the United States’ decision to send its most advanced carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, along with a battle group to the West Asia region. Furthermore, Israel’s military has issued a warning, stating that Iran-backed Hezbollah poses a risk of dragging neighbouring Lebanon into the conflict. It was also reported that anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon on Sunday. Read also: Israel-Hamas war: US amps up military posture in West Asia, warns Iran against 'escalation' Israel’s military has indicated that it plans to move forward with the next phase of its campaign in Gaza. However, no specific timeline for a ground invasion against Hamas, a designated terrorist group by the US and EU, has been provided. The conflict, which began 7 October has taken a severe toll on the region, with more than 1400 deaths in Israel and around 4,300 in Gaza. The conflict was triggered by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas’ raid into southern Israel. Hundreds of civilians were killed and a couple hundred were taken back into Gaza as hostages. Israel in response declared war on Hamas and has vowed to “reduce Hamas to rubble.” Meanwhile, yesterday Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes targeting international airports in Damascus and Aleppo. A mosque in the West Bank was also struck. These actions are believed to escalate the conflict in the region. The Israeli military has claimed that the targeted mosque compound belonged to Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, who were responsible for multiple attacks in recent months. Israel’s military has maintained that its actions are focused on striking Hamas members and installations, with no intention of harming civilians. However, it has been confirmed that 212 people are being held hostage in Gaza. Recent Israeli airstrikes also resulted in the deaths of numerous Palestinian fighters, including the deputy chief of Hamas rocket forces. On the northern front, Israel has been actively engaging fighters attempting to launch missiles across the Lebanese border. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, in a briefing, mentioned that a site in Lebanon was struck in response to a missile fired at an Israeli aircraft. The violence in the West Bank has led to 91 Palestinian casualties since the outbreak of the conflict, according to the Health Ministry, with most casualties occurring during clashes with Israeli forces or violent protests.