The Palestinian militant group Hamas strongly condemned the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of $13 billion in new military aid to Israel on Sunday.
In a statement, Hamas said the aid package “violates international law” and gives the “Zionist extremist government (Israel) a green light to continue the brutal aggression against our people.”
The statement accused the United States of being “complicit and partnering in the war of extermination waged by the fascist occupation army against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”
The U.S. aid, approved by the House on Saturday, is intended to help strengthen Israeli air defenses and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and other vulnerable populations, according to the bill text.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the “much-appreciated aid bill,” saying it shows strong U.S. support for Israel and “defends Western civilization.” The United States is already Israel’s largest military supplier.
The House approval comes amid renewed tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. Last week, Israel carried out airstrikes in Gaza after militants fired rockets into Israeli territory, threatening to escalate the long-running conflict.
The aid package now moves to the Senate for consideration. Passage would provide a fresh influx of military funding for Israel as it confronts threats from Hamas and other militant groups along its border with Gaza.
