Israel Gaza: US weapons to Israel a sign of thaw in strained ties - BBC News

The delivery of arms to Israel comes as the US expresses concern over deaths and suffering amongst Gaza's residents.

2 days agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, EPAImage caption, Israel has insisted it will attack Rafah, dismissing international concern that it would cause untold suffering amongst a large number of peopleBy Yolande KnellBBC News, JerusalemDespite a week of tensions with Israel over its conduct of the Gaza War, Washington is reported to have authorised arms transfers to its ally worth billions of dollars.

These include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000lb (900kg) bombs and 500 MK82 500lb bombs, as well as 25 F35A fighter jets, The Washington Post and Reuters news agency have said.

The larger bombs have previously been linked to air strikes in Gaza causing mass casualties.

Washington gives $3.8bn (£3bn) in annual military assistance to Israel.

But the latest package comes as the Biden administration has been raising concerns about rising civilian deaths in Gaza and humanitarian access to the territory, which the UN says is on the verge of famine.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68698357

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