On the same day when an Israeli airstrike tragically killed seven workers from World Central Kitchen, a food charity in Gaza, the United States approved the transfer of more bombs to Israel, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The Biden administration gave the green light for over a thousand additional bombs to be sent to Israel, including MK82 500-pound bombs, small-diameter bombs, and fuses for MK80 bombs. These approvals were made years before the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The White House expressed deep sadness over the attack in Gaza, with President Joe Biden calling the aid workers “brave and selfless” for providing food to hungry civilians during the conflict.
The transfer of these weapons occurred before the Israeli airstrike on the convoy of workers from the Gaza food charity, which was led by celebrity chef Jose Andres.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the regional threats to Israel from Iran and Hezbollah as reasons for the arms transfer, emphasizing the aim to prevent further conflicts.
However, Blinken also condemned the Israeli strike on the Gaza aid convoy, emphasizing the importance of protecting humanitarian workers who are risking their lives to help others.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident, describing it as “tragic and unintended.” However, he also noted that such incidents can occur during wartime.
The aid workers killed in the airstrike included individuals from various nationalities, highlighting the international nature of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Despite coordinating their movements with the Israeli Defence Force, the convoy of aid workers was hit as it was leaving its warehouse after unloading humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea.
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