Biden pledges immediate signing of funding deal, which includes halt on UNRWA aid
Impact of Funding Deal on Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
A recent funding agreement between Congress and the White House has stirred up controversy by including a ban on funding for the primary humanitarian aid organization in Gaza for a period of one year. This decision, backed by President Joe Biden, has significant implications, potentially costing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East millions of dollars. The void left by the funding ban will necessitate other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, to step in and fill the financial gap.
UNRWA Response to the Ban
Expressing concerns over the repercussions of this agreement, the UNRWA remarked, “This [agreement] will undermine the effort to assist starving Gazans and potentially further weaken regional stability.”
The White House, in its initial endorsement of the deal, did not disclose the ban on supporting the UNRWA, a critical provider of aid in Gaza. This development comes at a time when countless civilians in Gaza are grappling with the harsh reality of starvation amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Before the conflict escalated, the UNRWA mainly focused on operating schools and providing essential health services to millions of Palestinians. However, the situation has evolved, with the organization becoming the primary facilitator for various aid initiatives, including food distribution on the ground.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration temporarily halted funding to the UNRWA following allegations that some of its members were involved in a terrorist attack on October 7. This move was met with bipartisan support, with Senator James Risch emphasizing the need for accountability.
Reform Calls and Consequences
While the agency has taken action by dismissing nine of the accused employees and confirming the demise of two others, further reforms are deemed necessary, as emphasized by White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.
Despite the funding adjustments posing a significant challenge for Palestinians, the U.S. military has stepped in by airdropping food supplies into Gaza and working on establishing a floating dock for additional aid delivery measures, showcasing a multifaceted approach to mitigate the impact of the funding ban.
As the contents of the agreement are yet to be publicly disclosed pending Congressional approval, all eyes are on the upcoming developments within the next 24 hours. Should the deal secure passage through Congress, President Biden has affirmed his commitment to signing it into effect.
For more insights and updates, you can access further information from The Washington Examiner.
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