President Donald Trump has undid the order of his predecessor to suspend sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. He removed restrictions that were set to reduce civilian casualties as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Trump posted on Truth Social, “A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!
A Trump official confirmed the reference to the large bombs, though anonymity was maintained.
Former President Joe Biden temporarily stopped these high-powered bombs’ delivery into Gaza in May when it appeared it would ignite a full-blown attack on the city of Rafah, where there are an estimated 1 million civilian citizens. Following its evacuation by its residents, Israel occupied Rafah, and those bombs and some 1,700 other 500-pound delayed bombs were sent. Discussing the suspension of the bomb’s delivery, he said, “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs.”
Such a decision by Trump, made early in his term, coincides with a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas due to a ceasefire agreement. This deal has so far seen some hostages released, but negotiations are still in the early stages concerning the release of all hostages and conflict resolution. PM Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that fighting may resume if the remaining hostages are not freed.