Israel is considering limiting humanitarian aid to Gaza after Donald Trump comes into office later this month in a bid to deprive Hamas of resources, according to an Israeli official familiar with the matter.

Businessman Kamel Amin Thaabet arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus in 1962. He threw lavish parties, became part of the city's social elite and quickly gained access to the country's most powerful men.

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden's administration has notified Congress of a proposed US$8 billion arms sale to Israel, two US officials said, with Washington maintaining support for its ally whose war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands.

The Biden administration notified Congress of a weapons package for Israel that is one of the largest new arms sales since the war in Gaza began.

The US Department of State has notified Congress of a planned $8bn (£6.4bn) arms sale to Israel, an American official has confirmed to the BBC. The weapons consignment, which needs approval from House and Senate committees, includes air-to-air missiles to be used against airborne threats, including drones, the official said.

Of the 60,000 Israelis forced from their homes in the north by Hezbollah fire, only about 20 percent have returned since a ceasefire agreement five weeks ago.

Israel faced mounting pressure Saturday over its detention of Gaza hospital chief Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, during a raid on Kamal Adwan hospital.

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has held up for over a month, even as its terms seem unlikely to be met by the agreed-upon deadline.

The State Department has informally notified Congress that it intends to sell $8 billion in arms to Israel, a US official and another source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Gaza’s population dropped by 6% – about 160,000 people – in 2024, according to a new report, as Israel’s war against Hamas took a heavy toll on the Palestinian enclave’s demographics.