US approved thousands of bombs for Israel on same day as seven aid workers killed

The United States granted approval for the transfer of thousands of additional bombs to Israel on the same day as an Isreali airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza, according to a Washington Post report published on Thursday, citing an anonymous Biden administration official. Among the seven killed by the Israeli attack on Monday was a dual US-Canadian citizen.

Upon learning of the strike, US President Joe Biden wrote on X, saying he was "outraged and heartbroken" — words which have now been brought into question in light of his government's approval of lethal weaponry on that same day. A US official claims the transfer was approved before information of the aid team's targeting reached Washington.

The transfer, which includes 1,000 MK82 500-pound bombs, more than 1,000 small-diameter bombs, and fuses for MK80 bombs will not be delivered until at least next year and comes from authorizations granted by Congress several years ago.

The US government has the authority to suspend an arms transfer any time before delivery. When WP asked why the Biden administration did not at least pause the process following the attack, which received worldwide condemnation, or until the Israelis’ investigation was completed, the State Department spokesperson did not provide further comment.

Last week, WP reported on another arms transfer authorization of more than 1,800 MK-84 2,000lb bombs and 500 MK-82 500lb bombs. Back in February, other reports surfaced of hundreds of weapon transfers made from the States to Israel since Oct. 7, quietly approved using a loophole in congressional procedures that allow for shortcuts to be made on deliveries under a certain price cap.

The US is facing mounting criticism and pressure as the primary supporter of Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed more than 33,000 people.