The US has begun delivering munitions and military equipment to Israel, as the death toll from the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza continues to rise. The White House said it was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to support its ally in the war that started on Saturday.
Surprise Attack by Hamas
The conflict erupted on Saturday, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, firing hundreds of rockets and killing dozens of civilians. Israel responded by launching airstrikes and artillery fire on Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure and operatives. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also mobilized troops and tanks near the border, preparing for a possible ground invasion.
The attack by Hamas was seen as an attempt to undermine the recent normalization of relations between Israel and some Arab countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. It also coincided with the anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel.
US Support for Israel
The US, which considers Israel its closest ally in the Middle East, condemned the attack by Hamas and expressed its unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself. President Joe Biden said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him of US assistance. He also said he would address the nation on Tuesday afternoon, after confirming that at least 11 Americans were killed in the violence over the weekend.
The US has already started delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment to Israel, according to John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council. He said the US was “in lockstep” with Israel, making sure that it was filling its needs as best and as fast as possible. He also said the US expected more requests for security assistance from Israel as it continued to expend munitions in the fight.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said Congress must pass more funding quickly for the US to be able to give both Israel and Ukraine the weapons and munitions they both now need. She said the US had the capacity to support both allies simultaneously, but additional funding was needed to increase production and pay for the munitions.
Death Toll Rises on Both Sides
The death toll from the fighting between Israel and Hamas has risen to over 1,900, according to the latest reports. The Palestinian health ministry said at least 830 people have been killed in Gaza, including more than 200 children. It also said more than 4,250 people have been injured. In Israel, nearly 1,000 people have died, according to officials with the Israeli embassy to the U.S. They said most of the casualties were caused by rocket fire from Gaza.
The UN has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been displaced by the Israeli bombardment. It also said it was concerned about the impact of the violence on civilians, especially children, who make up half of Gaza’s population. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resumption of dialogue to end the conflict.
