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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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
