In criticism of Biden, the US House has approved the mandatory shipment of weapons to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is trying to defeat militants who attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages.

Palestinian officials say at least 35,272 civilians have been killed during Israel’s campaign in the Gaza Strip. Hunger is widespread and the majority of the coastal population is homeless. The region’s infrastructure has been destroyed.

Republicans accused Biden of turning his back on Israel after facing massive pro-Palestinian protests.

“This is a devastating decision, with global implications. It’s being made out of a political calculation, and it can’t be allowed to happen,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican. Republicans say it undermines Biden’s position on Israel, while Democrats accuse him of politicizing the issue.

“This is not a serious legislative effort, which is why some of the most vocal members of the pro-Israel Democratic Caucus are going to vote ‘no,'” party leader Hakeem Jeffries said shortly before the vote.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, additional reporting by Makini Price)