US progressives try to bar arms sale to Israel

Deal would add 'fuel to the fire' in Gaza, China's foreign ministry spokesman says

The administration of US President Joe Biden is on course to approve a $735 million arms sale to Israel in the middle of a raging conflict in the Middle East, as a group of Democratic lawmakers launched an apparently futile attempt on Wednesday to block the sale.

The latest Israel-Hamas conflict has prompted calls for leveraging Washington's annual $3.8 billion military aid as "a force for peace" in the Middle East.

A clear majority of US Republicans back Israel in its military confrontation with Gaza that authorities say has claimed more than 221 Palestinian lives and killed 12 people in Israel.