The Qatari-brokered deal had been extended several times, allowing for the exchange of hostages and civilians to escape the hostilities of the war, but within minutes of its expiration, Gaza began military assaults on Israel, which vowed to respond and was "out to destroy" Hamas, an IDF spokesman said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's mission was "to release the hostages, to liquidate Hamas."
The USS Carney, which has been regularly involved in military action in the last few weeks, shot down three more Iran-backed Houthi rebel drones while responding to distress calls from the commercial vessels, according to the Pentagon, which added the assaults lasted about seven hours and damaged two of the ships.
"These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,'' U.S. Central Command said. "They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world. ... The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.''
All told, there were four attacks against three different commercial vessels operating in the southern Red Sea's international waters.
The Carney was not damaged in the incident and no serious injuries were reported, the Pentagon said. Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the ships don't have a connection to the United States.
Officials said these latest attacks could represent an escalation in the war between Israel and Hamas, which began Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. Israel responded with repeated, ongoing attacks on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says have killed more than 15,500 Palestinians, 70% of them women and children, and as many as 41,000 have been injured.
The Carney has shot down multiple air drones over the Red Sea in the past six weeks. On Oct. 19, its crew intercepted a salvo of missiles and air drones that the Pentagon said were heading toward Israel, according to U.S. Central Command.
"The Red Sea is a vital artery in the global economy, and CENTCOM said the attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security," U.S. Central Command said in a statement.
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