US prepares new arms shipment to 'Israel': Reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Feb 2024 09:05
2 Shares

As "Israel" prepares to invade Rafah, the US is reportedly sending a new arms shipment package estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars.

A Palestinian child wounded in the Israeli bombardment at a hospital in Rafah, Gaza, on February 10, 2024. (AP)

The Biden administration is reportedly getting ready to provide additional bombs and weaponry to "Israel", expanding its military capabilities, despite alleged "ongoing efforts by the US to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza", according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

As per the information provided, the planned delivery encompasses approximately a thousand MK-82 bombs, along with fuses and JDAM guidance kits that are supposed to enhance the precision of the munitions. The total value of this package is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

A US official, as quoted by the newspaper, mentioned that the proposal is currently undergoing an internal administration review and might undergo changes before being submitted to the congressional committee chiefs for approval.

The report also references an evaluation of the proposal by the US Embassy to "Israel", stating that the Israeli government is pursuing "rapid acquisition of these items for the defense of Israel against continued and emerging regional threats."

The assessment reportedly stated that there are "no human rights concerns" associated with the deal, claiming that "Israel takes effective action to prevent gross violations of human rights and to hold security forces responsible that violate those rights. In the past, Israel has been a transparent partner in US investigations into allegations of defense article misuse."

28,775 martyrs, 68,552 injured

Meanwhile, the Government Media Office in Gaza reported yesterday that the Israeli occupation forces have committed 2,503 massacres since the beginning of their aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has increased the number of Palestinians killed or missing since October 7 to 35,775.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza also announced in a statement that the number of Palestinians killed since the beginning of the Israeli aggression has risen to 28,775, in addition to 68,552 injured.

This comes at a time as a ground invasion of the city of Rafah looms, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told troops to prepare for an offensive in the southern city, which now hosts more than half of Gaza's total population.