The Biden administration has announced it will provide Israel with $3.5 billion in military aid, allowing the country to purchase U.S. weapons and equipment. This decision follows the U.S. Congress's approval of a $14 billion supplemental funding bill for Israel in April, which was passed in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The State Department notified Congress of the planned release on Thursday. The aid comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with fears of a broader regional conflict escalating following recent attacks on leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of approximately 250 hostages, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated severely. Israeli military operations have resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement of Gaza's population, prompting international concerns and accusations of genocide that Israel denies.

The aid package is part of ongoing U.S. support for Israel amid the intensifying conflict and humanitarian crisis.