UPDATE - US engaged in 'contingency planning for any ... scenarios' amid Israel-Palestine conflict: Jake Sullivan

ADDS REMARKS BY JAKE SULLIVAN

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Tuesday that contingency planning is underway in case the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups intensifies.

"The president has also tasked us with engaging in contingency planning for any and all escalation scenarios," Sullivan told reporters at the White House.

"And we are now deeply engaged in that planning. And we're consulting with allies and partners as well about all of the potential scenarios that might unfold in the days ahead," he said.

He noted under President Joe Biden's direction, the US military has enhanced its posture in the Middle East to strengthen deterrence, including the movement of a carrier strike group.

"Let me be clear: we did not move the carrier for Hamas. We moved the carrier to send a clear message of deterrence to other states or non-state actors that might seek to widen this war," said Sullivan.

He echoed Biden’s stance and cautioned those who may seek to take advantage of the conflict.

"Let me repeat ... everyone, including enemies who are thinking of exploiting the current situation, hear it loud and clear. The United States has always and will always have Israel's back," he said.

- Safe passage for Gaza civilians

Questions have been raised about the destination and safety of Gaza residents in the wake of a statement on X by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who urged Gaza residents to "leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere."

In response to those concerns, Sullivan said discussions with Israeli and Egyptian counterparts have been ongoing about the idea of a safe passage for civilians.

But he refrained from divulging details about the plan.

“And without getting into the specifics of safe passage for civilians and so forth, I will say it’s something that the US government is seized with in supporting how we do that operationally,” he said.

“We are focused on this question, there are consultations ongoing,” he said. "But the details of that are something that are being discussed among the -- the operational agencies, and I don’t want to share too much of that publicly at this time.”

The situation escalated in the Gaza Strip following a multipronged surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian group, Hamas.

Hamas said the offensive was in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in recent days, and increased settler violence.

Israel retaliated with airstrikes against Gaza and said it would cut off electricity, food, water and other supplies to the enclave -- home to nearly 2.2 million residents which has already been reeling under a crippling blockade since 2007.