The Trump administration has informed Congress of its plan to sell nearly $6 billion worth of weapons to Israel.
According to the Associated Press (AP), this move by the Trump administration is seen as a new show of American support for Israel at a time when it is facing increasing isolation due to the devastating war in Gaza. The package includes $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters, which will nearly double Israel’s current fleet.
Similarly, the Trump administration is preparing to sell $1.9 billion worth of Infantry Assault Vehicles for the Israeli army. AP reported that this information was provided by a U.S. official and another person familiar with the proposal who spoke on condition of anonymity. These weapons will not be delivered to Israel for two to three years or more.
This preparation for a large-scale arms sale comes at a time when U.S.-mediated talks to end the nearly two-year-long war between Israel and Hamas have stalled.
Following Israel’s attack on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, U.S. allies in the Middle East have been growing increasingly angry. Despite mounting international pressure and efforts by many Democrats in the U.S. Senate to halt the sale of offensive weapons to Israel, the U.S. has continued its support.
The State Department has declined to comment on the process of this arms sale. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Russia Blames U.S. Veto for UN Security Council’s Failure on Gaza
Meanwhile, Russia has expressed deep regret over the United Nations Security Council’s failure to end the violence and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, clearly stating that the main reason for this failure is the veto power repeatedly used by the United States.
A statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry said, “It is extremely saddening and disappointing that the Security Council has so far been unable to take any concrete decision to end the ongoing war, bloodshed, and suffering of the general public in Gaza.”
According to the news agency Xinhua, on Thursday, some temporary member states of the Security Council had presented a proposal to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the safe release of hostages, and facilitate the smooth entry of humanitarian aid. Although all member nations supported the proposal, the United States used its veto for the seventh time, blocking its passage.
Women and Children in Crisis as Gaza City Offensives Intensify
Due to the ongoing offensive in Gaza City, thousands of civilians are trying to reach safety by any means possible, the United Nations has reported.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), most civilians in Gaza are in severe crisis due to the ongoing ground and air offensives. Everyone, including children, the elderly, and women, is facing difficult circumstances.
The number of civilians displaced towards the southern part of Gaza is rapidly increasing alongside the Israeli offensive. Most people are traveling by car, tempo, bicycle, and on foot in search of safe places. These journeys are made without access to drinking water, food, or shelter.
“Our colleagues have seen exhausted, hungry, and suffering civilians who walked all night to arrive,” the office mentioned. “There is extreme pressure from cars, tempos, and pedestrians on Al-Rashid Street. Everyone is moving south to escape the potential risks.”
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed serious concern, stating that specialized nutritional supplies for malnourished children brought into Gaza City on Thursday were looted. Those supplies would have helped treat nearly 2,700 children. UNICEF, expressing deep pain over this unfortunate incident, emphasized that a long-term ceasefire is essential.
The United Nations has called on all parties to allow general civilians to displace safely and has stressed the need to ensure their right to return to their homes once the situation normalizes.
