Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a recent report reveals that the US administration, led by President Joe Biden, has sanctioned the transfer of billions of dollars in bombs and fighter jets to Israel. The Washington Post reported that these arms packages, approved by officials from the Pentagon and State Department, include over 1800 bombs, some weighing 2000 pounds, capable of devastating entire city blocks, despite being seldom used in populated areas elsewhere. However, Israel has extensively employed them in Gaza.
Criticism has arisen from within the Democratic Party, including allies of President Biden, who argue that the US should withhold weapons until Israel commits to limiting civilian casualties and easing restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza, currently on the brink of famine. Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized the need for the Biden administration to leverage its influence effectively, urging for such commitments before authorizing further arms transfers.
In addition to the bomb transfers, the State Department has greenlit the transfer of 25 F-35 fighter jets and engines to Israel. These actions contradict the US's call for a ceasefire in Gaza and have raised concerns among some lawmakers.
Earlier reports indicated that over 100 weapons sales to Israel had been quietly approved since the conflict in Gaza began on October 7.
The news arrives amid a poll by Gallup indicating a declining support for Israel's actions in Gaza, from 50 percent in November to 36 percent in March, reflecting a growing disapproval of Israel's conduct among the US populace.
The conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in retaliation for Israel's intensified actions against Palestinians. Israel's blockade on Gaza has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with over two million Palestinians facing shortages of fuel, electricity, food, and water.
The toll of the conflict continues to mount, with over 32,500 Palestinians killed and nearly 75,000 injured since the conflict's onset in October.
