In the midst of the escalating violence in Gaza, a disagreement has emerged between the governments of Israel and the United States regarding the acceptable number of Palestinian civilian casualties. As the death toll from the massive Israeli bombardment neared 10,000, including several thousand children, top US officials expressed concerns about the mounting outcry at home and abroad. However, it appears that this minor discord has done little to weaken the longstanding alliance between the two countries. Furthermore, the US is now rushing to provide additional military assistance worth $14 billion to Israel, despite growing criticism.

Last week, the Biden administration sought congressional permission to unilaterally approve future military equipment and weapons sales to Israel without notifying Congress. This move would enable Israel to purchase up to $3.5 billion in military articles and services without scrutiny. Disturbingly, Israeli forces have been using weapons provided by the United States to target Palestinian civilians, while resupply flights land in Israel courtesy of American taxpayers.

According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, the US Air Force has been consistently delivering munitions, armored vehicles, and aid to Israel. Recent photos reveal the unloading of military cargo from a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Nevatim Base, Israel. This influx of military support provides a significant boost to Israeli forces engaged in the ongoing violence.

Critics have voiced their concerns over the Pentagon's plans to ship tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells to the Israeli military. Oxfam America, in a briefing paper, condemned the use of such munitions, stating that their past deployment by Israel demonstrates their indiscriminate and devastating impact on civilians. The organization argues that there are no scenarios in which these artillery shells could be used in compliance with international humanitarian law.

Human Rights Watch also highlighted the use of white phosphorus by Israeli forces, which causes severe burns and can be fatal even with minimal exposure. Moreover, Israel has been accused of engaging in collective punishment by cutting off essential resources such as food, water, electricity, and fuel, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Amidst the mounting criticism and concerns over reputational repercussions, the Biden administration and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are seeking a course correction. The White House is attempting to persuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to moderate the intensity of the bombing campaign. However, Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will continue to act as it sees fit, disregarding pleas from its patron, the United States.

While the interests of the two governments may not always align, they remain locked together in a long-term strategic alliance in the Middle East. This alliance has often disregarded human rights concerns, as evident from their support for the Saudi-led war on Yemen. The US-Israel relationship prioritizes shared geopolitical interests over the lives of Palestinian civilians.

It remains unlikely that the US government will confront Israel over its ongoing killing spree in Gaza, as the bilateral alliance continues to dominate official Washington. The recent statement by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a forum sponsored by the Israeli American Council underscores the unwavering commitment of the US to its cooperation with Israel, regardless of the circumstances.

In order for real change to occur, a massive grassroots movement is needed to challenge the entrenched mentality prevalent in Washington. The ongoing violence in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a new approach that prioritizes human rights, diplomacy, and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift end to the violence and a lasting solution that respects the rights and lives of all individuals involved.