The Biden administration has approved the transfer of thousands more bombs to Israel despite global outrage over the killing of seven aid workers from the charity group World Central Kitchen by Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Three US officials revealed to The Washington Post that the approval occurred on the same day of the tragic incident.
Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills 7 World Central Kitchen Workers
Despite mounting criticisms and calls for the US to condition such support on greater protection for civilians in the conflict zone, the Biden administration's decision underscores its commitment to go on with its flow of lethal weaponry to Israel.
The aid workers who were killed while providing food to hungry civilians amid the war were lauded by President Joe Biden as "brave and selfless." The president also said he was "outraged and heartbroken" by the tragedy.
However, the White House declined to comment on the recent decision to send more bombs to Israel.
Joe Biden Administration Continues US Weapons Transfer to Israel
The US officials told The Washington Post the US State Department approved the transfer of over 1,000 MK82 500-pound bombs, over 1,000 small-diameter bombs, and fuses for MK80 bombs, which was authorized by Congress several years before the recent Israel-Hamas war.
A State Department spokesperson also confirmed the approval to The Post but said it occurred sometime "prior" to when the Israeli aircraft struck the aid convoy.
Despite calls for a pause in arms transfers pending the outcome of the Israelis' investigation, the Biden administration has not suspended the delivery of the approved arms package.
The type of munition that hit the aid truck has remained undisclosed. However, Josh Paul, an ex-State Department arms expert, told The Post that it was "certainly comparable" to the small-diameter bombs the US has provided to Israel.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that there would be policy changes if Israel fails to fulfill the US demands to protect civilians and admit more humanitarian aid.
Joe Biden criticized Israel for not doing enough to protect aid workers who are trying to help civilians and said that incidents like this "simply should not happen."
The slain workers included citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland, as well as Palestinians and a US-Canadian dual national. They were traveling in two armored cars and another vehicle on Tuesday.
But despite coordinating movements with the Israeli Defense Forces, the convoy was still hit as it was leaving its Deir al-Balah warehouse after unloading over 100 tons of humanitarian food aid.
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