Friday, 17 May 2024 04:29

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 224

Rate this item
(0 votes)

US House votes to force weapons shipments to Israel, rebuking Biden

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would force President Joe Biden to send weapons to Israel, seeking to rebuke the Democrat for delaying bomb shipments as he urges Israel to do more to protect civilians during its war with Hamas.

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was approved 224 to 187, largely along party lines. Sixteen Democrats joined most Republicans in voting yes, and three Republicans joined most Democrats in opposing the measure.

The act is not expected to become law, but its passage underscored the deep U.S. election-year divide over Israel policy as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government seeks to wipe out militants who attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Palestinian authorities say at least 35,272 civilians have been killed during Israel's campaign in Gaza. Malnutrition is widespread and much of the population of the coastal enclave has been left homeless, with infrastructure destroyed.

Republicans accused Biden of turning his back on Israel after facing widespread pro-Palestinian protests.

"This is a catastrophic decision with global implications. It is obviously being done as a political calculation, and we cannot let this stand," Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told a news conference with other party leaders on Wednesday.

Democrats also accused the other party of playing politics, saying Republicans are distorting Biden's position on Israel.

"It is not a serious effort at legislation, which is why some of the most pro-Israel members of the House Democratic caucus will be voting no," House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told a news conference before the vote.

Israel, a major recipient of U.S. military assistance for decades, is still due to get billions of dollars of U.S. weaponry, despite the delay of one shipment of 2,000-pound (907-kg) and 500-pound bombs and the review of other weapons shipments by the Biden administration.

As recently as Tuesday, the State Department had moved a $1 billion package of weapons aid for Israel into the congressional review process, U.S. officials said.

 

Reuters

January 18, 2025

Petrol sells higher across Nigeria as Dangote Refinery raises prices

The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol, has risen sharply across Nigeria…
January 11, 2025

Ohanaeze Ndigbo gets new President-General

John Azuta-Mbata, a former senator, has been elected as the new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,…
January 18, 2025

5 habits to help you live a longer, happier life

For the last two years, my colleague Renée Onque has been covering what makes for…
January 18, 2025

Vandals plunge Nigeria’s seat of power into darkness

In a spectacle befitting a nation where irony is never in short supply, the Presidential…
January 18, 2025

Oba Otudeko flees Nigeria as EFCC tightens noose

In a dramatic twist, Oba Otudeko, former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), has…
January 18, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 470

Israeli cabinet approves Gaza ceasefire accord, due to take effect Sunday Israel's cabinet approved a…
December 25, 2024

Stem cell therapy to correct heart failure in children could 'transform lives'

Renowned visionary English physician William Harvey wrote in 1651 about how our blood contains all…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.