Israel receives new batch of American military aid

JERUSALEM

Israel received a new batch of US military aid on Thursday as part of the package allocated by Washington to Tel Aviv.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense said in a press release that "the Ministry of Defense has received the first shipment of American armored SUVs" as part of the military aid package allocated by Washington to Tel Aviv.

The ministry said: "These armored SUVs are being provided to the Israeli military to replace vehicles that have been damaged during conflicts."

It pointed out that the acquisition of these vehicles is "a component of extensive agreements aimed at bolstering the Israeli military's vehicle fleet to address a range of wartime scenarios."

"The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Eyal Zamir, has already authorized purchase orders within Israel and abroad for vehicles and heavy equipment, totaling over 400 million shekels," the statement said.

Moreover, it added: "The procurement process aligns with the specific needs of the Israeli military and encompasses a wide array of specialized vehicles, including armored ambulances, armored operational vehicles, tactical trucks, and mechanical engineering equipment."

Tel Aviv received the latest military aid as Israel continues to bombard Gaza, which has been under siege since Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala