US ʼquietlyʼ authorizes arms shipments worth $2.5 billion to Israel: Report
The Biden administration has faced criticism after reportedly approving significant arms shipments to Israel, despite growing global calls for an arms embargo amid escalating violence in the region.
According to a report by The Washington Post on Friday, the administration has “quietly” authorized arms shipments including more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, as well as 25 F-35A fighter jets and engines worth approximately $2.5 billion.
Unnamed US officials cited in the report noted concerns over the use of 2,000-pound bombs in previous Israeli military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties.
Critics, including author Trita Parsi, have accused the Biden administration of disregarding calls for a ceasefire and instead contributing to the ongoing violence. Parsi labeled the decision as "fueling the slaughter" rather than implementing UN resolutions.
The arms transfers come amidst more than 100 shipments authorized by the Biden administration since the October 7 attacks on Israel, as reported by The Washington Post.
Reacting to the news, Palestinian American writer Yousef Munayyer criticized the administration's approach, particularly its "quiet" authorization of the shipments, characterizing it as cowardly.
Similarly, Edward Ahmed Mitchell of the Council on American Islamic Relations condemned the decision, describing it as "unbelievable and unconscionable." Mitchell accused the administration of supporting what he termed as "genocide" led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel has faced accusations of committing genocide in Gaza, with the International Court of Justice issuing an order in January to prevent genocidal acts. Despite this, ongoing atrocities, including the forced starvation of Palestinians, persist.
In response to the situation, the court recently issued another order demanding that Israel allow urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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Cockroach infestation at Hyderabad tiffin centre raises food safety concerns
Hyderabad, November 22 — A customer dining at a tiffin centre near Nexus Mall, KPHB, Hyderabad, was shocked to discover cockroaches in the breakfast served. The incident occurred at Madhuram Tiffins on Friday morning and quickly gained attention after the customer shared their experience on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The post included images and a video showing unsanitary conditions in the kitchen, with a plea to food safety authorities to take immediate action.
"During our breakfast at Madhuram Tiffins, we found cockroaches in the chutneys served," the customer wrote, tagging relevant food safety officials. The visuals highlighted unsanitary practices, sparking a wave of concern over food safety standards at the well-known establishment.
In response, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) assured that their food safety team had been notified and promised swift action to address the issue.
The incident triggered a mixed response from the public. One social media user expressed frustration over the lack of cleanliness, stating, “These hotel owners and workers don’t even think about hygiene anymore. They even treat customers rudely.” Another called for stricter measures, suggesting that establishments with poor hygiene should face immediate closure and have their licenses revoked. Meanwhile, a third user warned against dining out, remarking, “Food these days is more about taste than health.”
This incident comes in the wake of recent food safety inspections conducted by the Telangana Food Safety Department. Earlier, the department carried out surprise raids at several prominent tiffin centres in Hyderabad.
During an inspection at Padmavathi Tiffins in Ashoknagar, officials found a live cockroach in the storeroom, raw food items stored directly on the floor, and evidence of rat burrows. Staff members were also seen handling food without hair caps or aprons.
At Sri Sidhi Vinayaka Udupi Tiffins, also in Ashoknagar, inspectors noted the absence of insect-proof screens and an unhygienic kitchen environment. Similar concerns were raised at Balaji Darshan Tiffins, where stagnant water in drains and uncovered garbage bins were observed.
Violations extended beyond eateries to local hostels. My Home Luxury Girls Hostel in Ashoknagar was cited for inadequate insect-proofing and cockroach infestations in the kitchen.
