Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for an investigation into the origins of the US-made weaponry used by Palestinian militant group Hamas in their ongoing attack against Israel. Greene suggested that the weaponry may have come from Ukraine or Afghanistan, and it is crucial to track the seized pieces to determine their source.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Greene wrote, “We need to work with Israel to track serial numbers on any U.S. weapons used by Hamas against Israel. Did they come from Afghanistan? Did they come from Ukraine? Highly likely the answer is both.”
While no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate Greene’s claims, an unverified video circulating online purported to show a Hamas militant expressing gratitude to Ukrainians for providing weaponry. The video showcased various US-made pieces, including a standard-issue M136 anti-tank grenade launcher.
The United States has been providing extensive military aid to Ukraine for over a year and a half, supporting the country in its conflict against Moscow. Ukraine has faced allegations of misusing and selling off weaponry, with reports of firearms, mines, and guided anti-tank missiles being offered on the dark web.
Another potential source of the weaponry is Afghanistan. After the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021, they gained access to the entire arsenal of the defunct Afghan army, which was established with the significant involvement of the Pentagon over several years.
It is essential to thoroughly investigate the origins of the weapons used by Hamas in order to hold accountable any parties involved in supplying them. Identifying the source of these weapons can provide important insights into the networks and channels through which illicit arms trafficking occurs.
Additionally, understanding the source of the weaponry can help shape future policies and decisions regarding arms exports. It may prompt a reevaluation of the criteria and safeguards in place to ensure that US-made weapons do not end up in the wrong hands or contribute to destabilizing conflicts.
The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Collaborating with Israel to investigate the origins of the weapons used is a crucial step towards promoting accountability, peace, and stability in the region.
While the claims made by Marjorie Taylor Greene are yet to be verified, the seriousness of the ongoing conflict and its impact on innocent lives underscores the importance of addressing the issue of illicit arms transfers. It is imperative that governments and international organizations work together to prevent the flow of weapons into the hands of militant groups and ensure the safety and security of all nations involved.
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