Democrat lawmakers call for block on $75m in Palestinian aid to be lifted
Over 140 US Democrats have called on to lift the hold on $75m in “desperately needed” US aid for the Palestinians, which could help rebuild the Gaza Strip following Israel’s recent aggression.
In a letter sent to Senate Republican Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Wednesday, the Democratic lawmakers called for $75m in already approved aid to be released for transfer.
“We write with a great sense of urgency to respectfully request that you release your hold on tens of millions of dollars in appropriated humanitarian aid that is so desperately needed to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians rebuilding their lives in the wake of the fighting between Hamas and Israel earlier this month,” the lawmakers wrote.
The call to release aid to the Palestinians is led by Representative Jamie Raskin.
NEW: I led 140+ @HouseDemocrats in urging Sen. Jim Risch to stop blocking millions in humanitarian aid for Palestinians. This aid was passed in FY20 & signed by the former President. As the ceasefire takes hold, we must help relieve the suffering of countless civilians. pic.twitter.com/Dz2XlS0j69
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) June 2, 2021
“Gaza is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe. Buildings lie in rubble. Access to clean water and electricity is sporadic or nonexistent. Food insecurity is spreading. COVID-19 is running rampant and thousands of people have been displaced and rendered homeless. The magnitude of the crisis is staggering,” they continued.
“As the ceasefire takes hold, the United States can help relieve the suffering of countless innocent civilians.”
“The assistance aid notified by the State Department is to be provided in full accordance with US law. It is administered and overseen by our government and by trusted and vetted partners on the ground.”
“Secretary Blinken has made clear that Hamas and other terrorist groups will not benefit from our humanitarian assistance,” they stated.
The Biden administration said it would be asking Congress to approve an additional $75 million dollars in assistance for the reconstruction of Gaza in 2021 and another $30 million dollars for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), following the aggression on the Gaza Strip.
19 families in the Gaza Strip have been wiped off the population civil registry during Israel’s 11-day aggression, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, including 41 children and 25 women.
Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip started on May 10 and ended with a ceasefire brokered by mediator Egypt on May 21, killing at least 279 Palestinians, including 69 children and 40 women and injuring 1,910 others.
More than 90,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes, and much of Gaza’s infrastructure and many residential buildings were completely destroyed or levelled.
Health centres, media offices, as well as schools were among the structures targeted during the 11-days of constant bombardment.
