Donald Trump has taken bold action. The US President removed a Biden-era hold on 2,000-pound bombs for Israel. Trump announced the decision Saturday aboard Air Force One. The reason? “They bought them,” Trump said simply.
Bombs released after Biden’s pause
These bombs are massive. Each one can obliterate thick concrete and create devastating blast zones. Under Joe Biden, the shipment was paused. Biden worried about civilian casualties, especially in Gaza’s Rafah region. Trump, however, disagreed.
“We released them today,” Trump confirmed. “They paid for them and have been waiting for a long time.” These bombs had been stored for months.
Biden’s initial block explained
Last year, after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants, Biden sent thousands of bombs to Israel. However, one shipment was stopped. Concerns over humanitarian impact drove that decision. Human rights advocates had also called for an arms embargo. Their protests failed.
When asked why he lifted the hold, Trump’s answer was blunt. “Because they bought them.” He also highlighted Israel’s payments for weapons delayed under Biden. “A lot of things ordered by Israel are now on their way,” Trump posted earlier on Truth Social.
Calls for Palestinian displacement
Trump also voiced controversial views on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. He urged Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinians. When asked if this should be temporary or permanent, Trump said, “Could be either.”
Trump described Gaza as a disaster zone. “It’s a mess, a real mess,” he told reporters. Trump claimed to have spoken with Jordan’s King Abdullah and planned to call Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
“You’re talking about a million and a half people,” Trump said, proposing to “clean out that whole thing.” Gaza’s pre-war population was around 2.3 million.
The bigger picture: ongoing conflict
The October 7 Hamas attack killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has been brutal. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 47,000 dead. The strikes displaced nearly the entire population. Food and medical supplies are scarce.
Meanwhile, Washington defends its ally. Officials cite threats from Iran-backed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. But criticism is mounting. Human rights groups accuse Israel of genocide and war crimes—allegations Israel denies.
Ceasefire brings temporary relief
A recent ceasefire offered a glimmer of hope. Some Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the region remains on edge.
Trump remains firm. “Hell to pay,” he warned Hamas if hostages aren’t freed. The conflict shows no sign of resolution, but the bombs are en route.
