A senior Hamas political leader, Ali Barakeh, based in Gaza, expressed surprise at the level of support the United States provided to Israel in its recent conflict with Hamas, according to statements made to The Financial Times over the weekend.

Ali Barakeh, speaking from his office in Beirut, conveyed that Hamas had not anticipated such a substantial response from the U.S. He noted that while an Israeli response was expected, the entrance of the U.S. into the conflict was unforeseen.

This reaction comes as the U.S. redirected a significant portion of its military forces to the region following the commencement of Operation Iron Swords.

On Oct. 8, barely one day after the conflict began, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the deployment of a carrier strike group, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to a closer proximity to Israel. There were considerations of sending a second aircraft carrier to the area, along with additional fighter jets and munitions support for the IDF.

Furthermore, the U.S. sent Lt.-Gen. James Glynn, a three-star U.S. Marines general, and other military officers to assist Israel in planning its ground offensive into the Gaza Strip.

The support extended by the U.S. to Israel has garnered the attention of Iran, a known sponsor of Hamas, which has issued threats against the U.S. unless Israel ceases its actions in Gaza.