US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that he did not see any indication that Hamas was planning any attack on US forces in Gaza, but he said that the necessary measures were being taken to ensure the safety of the soldiers.

“I do not discuss intelligence on the platform,” Austin said in a press conference. “But I do not see any indications currently that there is an actual intention to do so.”

He added: “However... this is a combat zone and several things can and will happen".