Israel and Hamas appear to be inching closer towards a deal for a ceasefire and a release of some of the hostages still being held by the militant group in Gaza, while the UN children’s agency has warned that 17,000 children have been left without families or been separated from them by the conflict.
Qatar, which has been mediating between Israel and Hamas, indicated that the militant group had given its initial support for a deal after weeks of delicate and secretive negotiations.
However, while an aide to Hamas’s political leader said the group had received details of the proposed deal, it had yet to reply.
A Qatari official later clarified to Reuters that there was “no deal yet” and that although “Hamas has received the proposal positively”, Qatar was “waiting for their response”.
Kinda like when a diplomatic delegation says, “We strongly condemn…” That ain’t your neighbor mad about your fence line, that’s saying, “FAFO, war coming right up.” Words and actions have very, very, particular meanings in international affairs. People get master’s degrees and doctorates studying and practicing this. These are not playground fights.
Maybe? We can hope? How much of this spending is under direct control of the President? After all, Congress has the power of the purse. If Biden could control defense spending on a whim, why is he begging for aid to Ukraine? If he can do as he pleases…?
“and in 2019, the amount was raised again, now standing at a minimum of US $3.8 billion that the US is committed to providing Israel each year”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel–United_States_relations
https://www.foreignassistance.gov/cd/israel/
EDIT: As to #2, I should add: I’m aware America has a history of giving our President’s more and more, and more, military power. The President can roll aircraft carriers and troops, but direct spending? Someone help me out?