International

Biden considers $1bn weapon package for Israel

Published

2 years ago

April 21, 2024

President Joe Biden

Biden considers $1bn weapon package for Israel

A report on Friday said that the US is considering more than $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel, including tank ammunition, military vehicles, and mortar rounds, amid escalating Middle Eastern tensions.

According to the Wall Street Journal and US officials, the Biden administration’s proposed deal includes transfers of $700 million in 120 mm tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles, and less than $100 million in 120 mm mortar rounds.

This package, reportedly one of the largest given to Israel since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, would be in addition to those in a military aid deal currently before Congress, according to the report.

The sale would require approval from the US Congress, which could take months or years.

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The State Department did not immediately respond to Anadolu’s request for comment.

The US is facing a barrage of criticism for providing military aid to Israel amid reports of Tel Aviv targeting civilians — with more than 34,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed in Gaza, and credible reports of violations of international law and US law, including the blocking of American aid.

The report also came amid heightened tension between Iran and Israel after Tehran launched a drone and missile attack in response to the April 1 attack on its consulate in Syria, which killed seven Iranian military officers, including two top-ranking commanders.

Last month, a half-dozen Democratic senators sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to halt arms sales to Israel because it is currently in violation of a 1961 law that prohibits arms sales to nations that obstruct the delivery of American aid.

Biden considers $1bn weapon package for Israel

International

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

Published

1 hour ago

February 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

TELL, West Bank — Israeli settlers have vandalized and set fire to the Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, authorities confirmed, marking the latest in a series of attacks on Palestinian religious sites amid a surge in settler violence. The attack occurred early Monday during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Worshippers arriving for morning prayers discovered the mosque’s entrance smoldering, with black smoke staining the doorway and broken glass scattered across the area. According to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Religious Affairs, settlers spray-painted offensive graffiti, including derogatory references to Islam and slogans linked to extremist “price tag” operations.

Local resident Munir Ramdan described the scene: “I was shocked when I opened the door. The fire had been burning here, the glass was broken, and the door was damaged.” Security footage reportedly shows two individuals carrying gasoline and spray paint approaching the mosque before fleeing the scene.

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The incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on mosques in the West Bank, with the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs reporting that 45 mosques were vandalized or attacked last year. Residents said the assault was a deliberate provocation during Ramadan, targeting both the religious sanctity of the mosque and the spiritual practice of fasting.

The Israeli military and police responded to reports of the incident and are actively searching for suspects. While the military condemned harm to religious institutions, Palestinian officials and rights groups say Israeli authorities often fail to hold settlers accountable for violence.

The attack comes amid a recent rise in settler violence, including last week’s killing of a 19-year-old Palestinian-American, Nasrallah Abu Siyam, highlighting ongoing tensions between settlers and Palestinian communities in the occupied territories.

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

International

Iranian Army Helicopter Crashes Into Market, Four Killed

Published

1 hour ago

February 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Iranian Army Helicopter Crashes Into Market, Four Killed

At least four people have died after an Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a fruit and vegetable market in Dorcheh, central Iran, on Tuesday morning, authorities and state media reported.

The helicopter, reportedly on a training flight, went down around 9:09 a.m. local time, striking market stalls and sparking a fire, which was later extinguished by emergency responders. Among the deceased are the pilot and co-pilot, both members of the Iranian Army Aviation, and two civilians who were present at the market during the crash.

Officials indicated that a technical malfunction may have caused the accident, though a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances. Local authorities and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to secure the scene, assist victims, and clear debris from the market area.

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Dorcheh, located about 330 km south of Tehran, is in a region hosting key military installations, including a major airbase. The crash adds to concerns over the safety of Iran’s aging military aircraft fleet, which has been affected by decades-long sanctions restricting access to spare parts and modern equipment.

This incident comes days after another military aircraft crash in Hamadan province, where an F‑4 fighter jet went down during a training flight, killing one of its pilots. Aviation safety remains a growing concern in Iran, particularly for military training operations.

Authorities have pledged a comprehensive investigation into the Dorcheh helicopter crash and have called for measures to ensure safety around public areas near military flight paths.

Iranian Army Helicopter Crashes Into Market, Four Killed

International

15 Killed as Peruvian Military Helicopter Crashes During Flood Relief Mission

Published

8 hours ago

February 24, 2026

Trends Admin

15 Killed as Peruvian Military Helicopter Crashes During Flood Relief Mission

At least 15 people, including seven children, were killed after a Peruvian Air Force Mi‑17 helicopter crashed on Sunday while carrying out a flood relief and rescue mission in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. The helicopter was part of a humanitarian assistance operation responding to severe flooding and landslides that have damaged homes, roads, and infrastructure across the region.

The Mi‑17 helicopter, carrying 11 passengers and four crew members, vanished from radar while flying from Pisco toward the coastal town of Chala Viejo in Caravelí Province. Loss of radio contact triggered an intensive search and rescue operation, involving Peruvian special forces, police units, and Air Force personnel, which located the wreckage on Monday.

Among the victims were seven minors aged between 3 and 17 years old. Adults confirmed dead include Colonel Javier Nole Gonzales, Air Force officer Sergio Danner Paucar Centurión, Elisa Bernal Paredes, Zoila Fernandez Medina, Luis Cárcamo, Kamila Jove, and Leiner Huamán, along with other passengers whose identities are being verified. All four crew members perished in the crash.

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The Peruvian Air Force (FAP) described the incident as a “tragic accident” and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims. An Accident Investigation Board has been activated to determine the exact cause of the crash, including the possibility of mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or operational challenges.

This tragedy comes amid one of the most severe flood emergencies in Arequipa in recent years, with heavy rains causing rivers to overflow, landslides, and forced evacuations. The helicopter’s mission was intended to provide emergency relief, transportation of personnel, and logistical support to affected communities. Authorities warned that the loss of the aircraft and personnel may impact ongoing rescue operations.

Local officials and disaster response teams continue to assist flood-affected families, providing temporary shelters, food, and medical aid. Observers noted that the crash underscores the risks faced by rescue teams operating in disaster-prone regions and highlights the need for enhanced aviation safety measures in extreme weather conditions.