Trump lifts hold on bombs for Israel despite civilian concerns

US President Donald Trump has authorised the release of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, reversing a hold imposed by former president Joe Biden over concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza.

Trump confirmed the decision aboard Air Force One on Saturday, stating, “We released them today. They paid for them, and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time. They’ve been in storage.”

Biden’s administration had previously withheld a shipment of the powerful munitions, citing their potential impact on densely populated areas, particularly Gaza’s Rafah region, during Israel’s military operations against Hamas.

The bombs, capable of penetrating thick concrete and metal, have drawn criticism for their destructive power. Trump justified the decision, saying, “Because they bought them.”

Since the conflict began in October 2023, Washington has announced billions of dollars in military aid to its ally.

Trump reiterated on Truth Social earlier on Saturday, “A lot of things that were ordered and paid for by Israel, but have not been sent by Biden, are now on their way!”

The delivery comes despite widespread international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The conflict has claimed over 47,000 lives, displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, and caused severe humanitarian crises, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Human rights groups have condemned the US for its continued arms supplies, accusing Washington of enabling alleged war crimes. Protesters have demanded an arms embargo, though these efforts have been unsuccessful.

Trump also proposed that neighbouring countries like Jordan and Egypt should accept displaced Palestinians. Speaking about a conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Trump said, “I’d love you to take on more because I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess.” He plans to discuss the matter further with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The US government has previously opposed the forced displacement of Palestinians.