🔥 In a significant move amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. has released $3.5 billion to Israel for the purchase of American weapons and military equipment, the State Department announced on Friday. This hefty sum comes months after Congress appropriated the funds during the ongoing Gaza conflict. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that Congress was notified on Thursday about the government's intent to release the foreign military financing to Israel. According to CNN, this amount is part of a $14 billion supplemental funding bill for Israel passed by Congress in April. 🌍 The Middle East is on edge as fears grow over a potential widening of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and sparked a humanitarian crisis. The stakes rose even higher after the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, triggering threats of retaliation against Israel. ⚠️ The latest surge in violence began on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israel's subsequent military assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians. The assault has displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, leading to a hunger crisis and accusations of genocide—charges that Israel denies. 💔 As the world watches, the fear of a broader conflict looms, with many hoping for de-escalation and peace. ✌️
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U.S. releases $3.5 billion to Israel to spend on U.S. weapons
cgtn.com
