Washington: The United States has reportedly approved the transfer of more bombs and warplanes worth billions of dollars to Israel, even as it expresses concern over the Israeli army’s military offensive in Rafah, Gaza. The Washington Post reports that the United States is supplying Israel with weapons including 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs and 25 F-35s. The package comes amid international criticism over Israel’s deadly offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The Washington Post reported that the arms transfer was part of the 2008 package. The US gives Israel $3.8 billion in annual military aid. Meanwhile, the White House has not commented on the current arms transfer. The Israeli embassy in Washington also did not comment on the issue. More than 32,000 people have died in Gaza so far, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Most of the victims were women and children.
On March 25, the US abstained from voting on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel came against the United States for not opposing the resolution. Israel accused the US of abandoning its policy at the UN. Some members of the Democratic Party have called on the president to cut US military aid to Israel. Israel launched the attack in response to an attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7 last year.
