**Israel Bombs Gaza Refugee Camps Following $5.2 Billion F-15 Deal with the U.S.**

The Israeli military launched strikes on refugee camps in Gaza shortly after finalizing a $5.2 billion agreement with the United States for new F-15 fighter jets. The deal for the advanced aircraft, produced by Boeing, was finalized just hours after Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump. The Biden administration had faced significant pressure from its base to halt arms sales to Israel, but continued to support the Israeli military.

Israel's Ministry of Defense hailed the deal as a "landmark transaction," emphasizing its importance for both immediate and long-term strategic needs. The new F-15 squadron, along with a third F-35 squadron procured earlier this year, are expected to enhance Israel's air power significantly. Delivery of the F-15 jets is set to commence in 2031.

Following the announcement of the deal, Israeli forces killed at least 22 people in attacks on the Jabalia and Beit Lahiya refugee camps in northern Gaza, as well as the Nuseirat camp in the center of the territory. These attacks are part of Israel's ongoing campaign, which critics label as ethnic cleansing. Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the devastation in northern and central Gaza as "worse than anything I could imagine," highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

Egeland's observations underscore the severity of the crisis. Families are torn apart, men and boys detained, and many are unable to bury their dead. Basic necessities like food and drinking water are scarce. Egeland condemned the attacks as being far from a lawful act of self-defense, arguing that Israel's actions, supported by Western arms, render Gaza nearly uninhabitable for its two million residents.

Amid this backdrop, advocacy for Palestinian rights featured prominently in the recent U.S. election. Peter Beinart, a New York Times writer, argued that the Democratic Party's disregard for calls to end weapons sales to Israel contributed to their electoral losses. He stressed the need for the party to align its policies with broader principles of human equality and international law, calling the current stance both immoral and politically disastrous.

Layla Elabed and Abbas Alawieh, co-founders of the Uncommitted National Movement, echoed this sentiment. They argued that the Biden-Harris administration's continued arms support for Israel risks alienating their voter coalition, emphasizing that decisive action is needed to end the cycle of violence and suffering.