US approved more bombs to Israel on same day aid workers were killed in Gaza: Report

The United States reportedly approved the supply of thousands of bombs to Israel on the same day foreign aid workers of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in airstrikes, the Washington Post reported on Thursday (Apr 4) citing officials.

Other US-based media outlets also reported that the Biden administration approved the transfer of more than 1,000 MK82 500lb bombs, more than 1,000 small-diameter bombs, and fuses for MK80 bombs.

Seven aid workers were killed in Gaza when their convoy was hit during an airstrike, with charity founder Jose Andres alleging that Israel targeted them "systematically, car by car". They were leaving the Deir al-Balah warehouse.

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Andres told the Reuters news agency, "This was not just a bad luck situation where 'oops' we dropped the bomb in the wrong place. This was over 1.5, 1.8 kilometres, with a very defined humanitarian convoy that had signs in the top, on the roof, a very colourful logo that we are obviously very proud of."

"It's very clear who we are and what we do," he added.

Use of US weapons in Gaza war

The US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the weapons are part of authorisations which were granted by Congress several years before the ongoing war between Israel-Hamas war started.

Recently, before the strike on the aid workers' convoy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked about the continued transfer of arms to Israel, to which he replied that such deals are needed to thwart regional threats to Israel from Iran and Hezbollah.

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He reportedly said on Tuesday that the weapons "go to deterrence, trying to avoid more conflicts. They go to replenishment of their supplies and their stocks". However, there are several incidents which confirm that US weapons are being used in Gaza.

The incident led to global condemnation, even from allies who have previously defended Israel's right to defend itself. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, calling it a "tragic incident". But he also said that "such accidents happen in wartime".

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)