US plans $1bn military aid for Israel amid Gaza conflict
The Joe Biden administration has reportedly informed Congress of its intention to provide a $1 billion military aid package to Israel. This comes despite the United States's opposition to a full-scale invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza and increasing concerns over civilian casualties. The US Department of State initiated the congressional review process for this aid package on Tuesday, unnamed US officials told Reuters news agency.
Details of proposed military aid package revealed
The proposed aid package, still awaiting approval, includes approximately $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles, and $60 million in mortar rounds. This information was shared by congressional aides with The Associated Press news agency. The request for the transfer of lethal weapons comes a week after President Biden paused a single shipment of bombs due to concerns over Israel's offensive in Rafah.
Aid package represents long-term US commitment
Reports said that the new package "is being presented as the long-term US commitment to supplying Israel with weaponry." They added that this has been under consideration since mid-spring and could take up to three years to supply all these weapons to Israel. This comes despite a recent State Department report finding Israeli forces likely used US-supplied weapons in a manner "inconsistent" with international law.
Intensified attacks and displacement in Gaza
According to reports, the Israeli army has intensified its attacks by land and air in Rafah and Jabalia in the north of the territory. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated on Tuesday that nearly 450,000 people had been forcibly displaced from Rafah since May 6. An additional 100,000 people have evacuated from the north due to fierce new attacks.
Casualties and US concerns over bomb usage
Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that at least 35,173 people have been killed and 79,061 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated on Monday that the US would continue to provide military assistance from a $26bn supplemental funding bill passed last month but paused the bombs because "we do not believe they should be dropped in densely populated cities."
Biden urges safeguards for civilians amid political pressure
President Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to invade Rafah without safeguards for civilians. His support for Israel in its war against Hamas has emerged as a political liability for the president, particularly among young Democrats, as he runs for re-election this year. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it hit more than 100 targets in the Gaza Strip and continued to carry out military operations in the eastern part of Rafah city.
