Title: US Approves $2.5bn Weapons Package for Israel Despite Criticism

In a decision that has sparked controversy and condemnation, the United States has given the green light for the transfer of a $2.5 billion weapons package to Israel, consisting of bombs and fighter jets, according to reports from US media outlets.

Despite expressing concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, the White House has included a significant number of bombs in the arms package. The package reportedly includes more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound (900kg) bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound (225kg) bombs, as stated by officials from the Pentagon and Department of State, as reported by the Washington Post.

The MK84 2,000-pound bombs, which have been linked to previous mass-casualty events throughout Israel's military campaign in Gaza, have the potential to cause damage up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) away, according to the US publication.

The approval of further arms to Israel has been met with strong criticism globally. Many world leaders and human rights activists have condemned the United States for providing more weapons to Israel, especially as the Benjamin Netanyahu government vows to launch an offensive in Rafah, the last refuge for over a million displaced Palestinians in Gaza.

The transfer of weapons has drawn criticism from various entities. The Palestinian political delegation's spokesperson, Hanan Daoud Ashrawi, expressed astonishment at President Joe Biden's actions, referring to the hypocrisy of condemning the humanitarian disaster in Gaza while simultaneously supplying lethal military items capable of causing immense destruction.

The militant group Hamas condemned the arms package, stating that it confirms the United States' full partnership in what they describe as the brutal war against Palestinians in Gaza. Hamas also accused the US of using increased humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians as a cover for the ongoing crimes committed by its ally, Israel. They called on the international community and the United Nations to impose a complete ban on the supply of weapons to Israel.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called on the international community to cease supplying Israel with weapons, highlighting the suffering in Gaza and emphasizing the need to end the catastrophe in accordance with international law and human values.

Yanis Varoufakis, former finance minister of Greece and founder of the Greek political party MeRA25, labeled President Biden a war criminal for his involvement in Israel's war crimes. Varoufakis urged an end to the supply of bombs to Israel and called for an end to complicity.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in San Francisco protested the US government's decision to arm Israel, describing it as outrageous and unacceptable. The demonstrators raised concerns about a US warship suspected of carrying weapons to Israel and expressed worry that it may deliver supplies to Israel's military during its deadly attack on Gaza.

Various entities expressed their dismay at the US's arming of Israel. A global movement advocating justice and equality for Palestinians and Israelis stated that cruelty knows no bounds and criticized the US for continuously sending weapons amidst the atrocities being committed.

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, condemned the US for providing Israel with highly destructive bombs, noting their unsuitability for populated areas like Gaza due to the predictable loss of life and widespread destruction caused.

Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Middle East-focused rights organization DAWN, criticized President Biden for rewarding Israel with lethal weapons despite condemning their actions in Gaza. Whitson highlighted the catastrophic impact of the 2,000-pound bombs and questioned the ethical stance of the US administration.

The arms shipment to Israel has raised concerns about President Biden's position as a moral authority in the world. Analysts suggest that the unfettered assistance to Israel undermines his efforts to project the US as a defender of human rights. The decision to send more weapons indicates that Israel has not yet crossed the red lines set by the Biden administration.

Despite this controversy, the US administration maintains that it is prioritizing a delicate balance. Officials have asserted their commitment to legal, moral, and diplomatic boundaries, while critics argue that the decision to send more weapons only perpetuates the ongoing cycle of violence and suffering in the region.