As the US presidential election draws near, President Joe Biden acknowledged the concerns of many Arab Americans regarding the conflict in Gaza and US support for Israel. In a proclamation commemorating Arab American Heritage Month, Biden expressed his empathy for those affected by the ongoing violence in the region.
However, shortly after this acknowledgment, the Biden administration authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel. This decision highlights the longstanding military assistance provided by Washington to Israel, its ally.
The new arms packages include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, said the sources, who confirmed a report in the Washington Post.
Washington gives $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, its longtime ally.
The Biden administration has issued proclamations since 2021 ahead of April, which is observed as Arab American Heritage Month. This year`s proclamation was longer than previous ones due to Biden`s comments on Gaza.
Protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza have emerged in various US cities in recent months. Demonstrators have voiced their grievances near prominent landmarks and have even disrupted some of Biden`s campaign events. They demand concrete actions from the administration to address the situation in Gaza.
In response to these protests, Biden pledged efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, and work towards an immediate ceasefire. Additionally, he highlighted instances of hate crimes targeting Arab Americans across the country, emphasizing the need for unity and tolerance.
Biden said on Friday he was working to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza, free hostages taken by Hamas and establish an immediate ceasefire lasting at least six weeks.
Biden also said Arab Americans have been a target of hate crimes while noting the fatal October stabbing of 6-year-old Palestinian American Wadea Al-Fayoume in Illinois, the November shooting of three students, opens new tab of Palestinian descent in Vermont, and the February stabbing of a Palestinian American man, opens new tab in Texas
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