Despite mounting criticism from international quarters, including condemnation from humanitarian organisations and world leaders, the United States has announced plans to provide billions of dollars worth of bombs and warplanes to Israel.
Recent shipments authorised by the White House include 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets along with their engines. Of particular concern is the link between MK84 bombs and previous mass-casualty events in Gaza, a connection highlighted in a recent report by The Washington Post.
The decision to proceed with these shipments comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. In its war on Gaza, Israel has killed nearly 33,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 75,000. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 82 Palestinians were killed and 98 wounded in Israeli attacks the past 24 hours.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society has reported that 26 of its members have been killed by Israeli forces since the onset of the war. Among the casualties are 15 medical personnel who were targeted while actively engaged in providing essential medical assistance to the wounded and displaced.
Meanwhile, Qatar has welcomed the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling calling on Israel to ensure the delivery of basic food supplies to the occupied enclave. The gulf nation emphasised the urgent need for compliance, including the opening of vital crossings to alleviate the growing famine threat and mitigate the risk of genocide. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for concerted action to address the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population and to prevent further loss of life.
As Israel’s deadly offensive on Gaza continues, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in the Jordanian capital of Amman for the sixth consecutive night, protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling for an end to Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel. The demonstrations reflect widespread public anger and solidarity with the Palestinian cause across the region.
In Malaysia, police have arrested an armed individual at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, amid suspicions that he may be an Israeli spy. Malaysia, a supporter of Palestine with no diplomatic relations with Israel, remains vigilant against perceived threats to its sovereignty and solidarity with the Palestinian people.