No conditions on Israel for using ammo provided, hope they do right things: US Defence Secy Austin

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday (Oct 12) that there are no conditions on Israel using the ammunition Washington has provided to the West Asian country and hoped that Israeli leadership would do the "right things".

"We have not placed any conditions on the provision of this equipment. This is a professional military, led by professional leadership, and we would hope and expect that they would do the right things in the prosecution of their campaign," Austin reportedly said.

This came after a meeting of NATOdefence ministersin Brussels.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

In the wake of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel, US President Joe Biden vowed his support for Israel. He termed the attacks as "terrorist assaults".

"I told him the United States stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults," Biden said in a televised address from the White House after the Hamas assault.

Also Read |'Willing to fight for Israel', expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected 'aerial assault'

"In my administration, support for Israel's security is rock solid and unwavering," he said adding, "We'll make sure that they have the help their citizens need and they can continue to defend themselves."

Israel has been receiving military aid from the US.

Both nations made an agreement in 2016 on a 10-year deal, with $38 billion covering annual grants to buy military ammunition and a $5 billion missile defence appropriation, reported Reuters.

Also Read |Operation Ajay: First flight carrying 230 Indians from Israel set to take off today

Since the weekend attack by Hamas, US wasted no time and initiated the movement of warships and aircraft near Israel. These aircraft will remain at the US military bases around the Middle East.

United Kingdom is alsosending surveillance aircraft and two Royal Navy ships to the eastern Mediterranean, media reports said quoting 10 Downing Street.

Watch |Israel-Palestine War: Former Israeli PM Yair Lapid given the option to join the war cabinet

As per the plan, the jets will start their patrolling operations on Friday (Oct 13). The move was taken to monitor any "threats to regional stability" which includes the movement of ammunitions to "terrorist groups".

In the package are two Royal Navy ships, a P8 aircraft, surveillance assets, and a company of marines. UK PM Rishi Sunak said the assistance would help in preventing any further escalation in the status quo.Downing Street also added that the Royal Navy task group will be moved to the area in the upcoming week to assist in humanitarian needs, reports said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.