Israel’s war on Gaza, has killed at least 39,790 Palestinians – mostly women and children, and wounded over 91,702 others, with 10,000 plus estimated to be buried under debris of bombed buildings.

Meanwhile US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, the Pentagon has said.

In a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reiterated the US’s commitment to take “every possible” step to defend Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement.

“Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group,” it added.

Additionally, Austin ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region.

The defence chiefs also discussed Israel’s operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and US efforts to deter “aggression” by Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region, the Pentagon added.