The US State Department announced the release of $3.5 billion in military aid to Israel after Congress approved the funds amid rising tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The money is part of a larger $14 billion supplemental bill passed in April 2023.
Key funding details
- Amount: $3.5 billion set aside specifically for military funding.
- Purpose: The fund will be used to purchase US-made weapons and military equipment.
- Congressional approval: The US Congress approved this fund at a time when Israel was actively engaged in military actions in Gaza.
Background of the conflict
Tensions rose in the Middle East after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides:
- Israeli casualties: About 1,200 Israelis were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.
- Palestinian casualties: Approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been killed due to the Israeli military response.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis:
Displacement: Almost the entire population of Gaza, approximately 2.3 million people, has been displaced.
Hunger crisis: There are widespread food shortages and Israel has been accused of genocide, which the Israeli government denies.
About Israel
Founded in 1948, Israel is the only country with a majority Jewish population. It has a large number of museums, innovative technology and agricultural sectors per capita, and its capital is Jerusalem. Israel is named after the biblical patriarch Jacob and is home to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.
About Gaza
Gaza is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the world, dating back to at least the 15th century BC. It is densely populated, with more than 5,000 people per square kilometer. Gaza’s economy, famous for its history and agriculture, particularly olive and citrus production, is struggling due to conflict and the blockade. The Gaza Strip is about 41 kilometers long and was occupied by Israel until 2005, when Israel withdrew from the area.
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