Biden Administration Faces Criticism for Proposed Arms Delivery to Israel Amidst Gaza Ceasefire Efforts

The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to send additional weapons, including MK-82 bombs and KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, to Israel, adding to its military arsenal. This development comes at a time when the U.S. is actively advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, raising concerns and criticisms over the United States’ role in the ongoing hostilities.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed arms delivery, estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, is currently under internal review by the administration. The package includes roughly a thousand each of MK-82 bombs, precision-guided KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and FMU-139 bomb fuses. The details of the proposal may undergo changes before being officially presented to congressional committee leaders for approval.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has drafted an assessment of the proposed arms transfer, stating that the Israeli government has urgently requested these items for defense against continued and emerging regional threats. The assessment asserts that the transfer does not violate human rights, emphasizing Israel’s purported commitment to preventing gross violations.

Critics argue that the Biden administration’s decision to send additional arms to Israel contradicts its simultaneous push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Allegations have surfaced that American-made weapons supplied to Israel have been used in strikes causing civilian casualties, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding the arms transfer.

Amidst these developments, Gaza faces a dire humanitarian situation. Israeli forces have besieged Gaza’s largest functioning hospital, Nasser Hospital, leaving patients and doctors helpless. The hospital has lost power, resulting in the death of intensive care patients due to power outages and a lack of oxygen supply caused by the attack.

Rafah, the last refuge for many Palestinians in the enclave, has become a target for Israeli warplanes. Israel’s military justification for entering Nasser Hospital and detaining over 20 militants remains disputed, with Hamas denying the presence of militants in the hospital and labeling the claims as attempts to cover up hospital destruction.

As the Biden administration internally reviews the proposed arms delivery, global condemnation of the ongoing conflict continues. President Joe Biden, who has engaged in extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has pushed for a temporary ceasefire. However, Israel is reportedly preparing to expand its counteroffensive into Rafah, a move that has drawn widespread international concern.

The proposed arms delivery raises questions about the U.S. stance on the conflict and its commitment to diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution. The internal review process and the potential changes to the proposal highlight the complexity of navigating the delicate diplomatic situation in the region.