A U.S. source said Friday that the administration of President Joe Biden has informed Congress about a possible $8 billion military sale to Israel, with Washington continuing to assist its friend whose conflict in Gaza has claimed tens of thousands of lives. 

The deal, which includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads, would need approval from House and Senate committees, Axios reported earlier. The State Department did not comment when asked. For months, protesters have called for an arms embargo against Israel, but U.S. policy has stayed largely the same. In August, the U.S. approved selling $20 billion worth of fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel. 

According to the Biden administration, it is supporting its ally in the fight against militant organisations supported by Iran, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Despite worldwide condemnation, Washington has supported Israel in its attack on Gaza, which has resulted in the eviction of almost all of the 2.3 million people in the region, a famine catastrophe, and claims of genocide that Israel denies. The Gaza health ministry reports over 45,000 deaths, with many more people possibly trapped under rubble. 

Efforts to end the 15-month-long Israeli war in Gaza, which began after an October 7, 2023, attack by Palestinian Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and led to around 250 hostages being taken, have so far failed, according to Israeli figures. UN Security Council resolutions on a ceasefire in Gaza have also been rejected by Washington, Israel's largest supporter and arms supplier. Democrat Joe Biden is set to leave office on January 20, making way for Republican President-elect Donald Trump to take over. Both Biden and Trump strongly support Israel.