By Mike Stone and Kanishka Singh

(Reuters) -The administration of President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, a U.S. official stated on Friday, with Washington sustaining help for its ally whose struggle in Gaza has killed tens of hundreds.

The deal would wish approval from the Home of Representatives and Senate committees and contains munitions for fighter jets and assault helicopters in addition to artillery shells, Axios reported earlier. The package deal additionally contains small-diameter bombs and warheads, in response to Axios.

The State Division didn’t reply to a request for remark.

Protesters have for months demanded an arms embargo in opposition to Israel, however U.S. coverage has largely remained unchanged. In August, america accredited the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and different army gear to Israel.

The Biden administration says it’s serving to its ally defend in opposition to Iran-backed militant teams like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.

Dealing with worldwide criticism, Washington has stood by Israel throughout its assault on Gaza that has displaced almost all of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants, precipitated a starvation disaster and led to genocide accusations that Israel denies.

The Gaza well being ministry places the loss of life toll at over 45,000 folks, with many further feared buried below rubble.

Diplomatic efforts have thus far failed to finish the 15-month-old Israeli struggle in Gaza that was triggered after an Oct. 7, 2023 assault by Palestinian Hamas militants that killed 1,200 and by which about 250 had been taken hostage, in response to Israeli tallies.

Washington, Israel’s largest ally and weapons provider, has additionally beforehand vetoed U.N. Safety Council resolutions on a ceasefire in Gaza.

Democrat Biden is because of go away workplace on Jan. 20, when Republican President-elect Donald Trump will succeed him. Each are robust backers of Israel.