US announces plan to provide Gaza with $400 in aid
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has promised over $400 million in new aid for Gaza on behalf of the United States at an emergency summit in Jordan, where world leaders backed a US push for a ceasefire as the ultimate solution, The New Arab and agencies reported.
“Some who have expressed great concern over the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, including countries with the capacity to give a lot, have provided very little or nothing at all,” Blinken said. “It is time for everyone — everyone — to step up. And for those who have already given and given generously, give more.”
Jordan and Egypt called the urgent talks on the Dead Sea as aid groups warned of worsening conditions in Gaza, where the population of over two million rely on sporadic aid deliveries.
Blinken called on countries to press Hamas to accept President Joe Biden’s recent ceasefire proposal, adding that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured him of his support.
UN chief Antonio Guterres also expressed his support of the US-led proposal: “The horror must stop.” “The speed and scale of the carnage and killing in Gaza is beyond anything in my years as secretary-general,” he said.
READ: Blinken urges Israel on “clear and concrete plan” for Gaza’s future
The US pledge has brought its aid contribution to $674 million since October 7th — the beginning of Israel’s military operation. On May 16th, the US concluded its construction of an aid-pier for Gaza. Though, alternatively, the Biden administration also granted Israel $1 billion in military aid the day before.
In January, Israel accused UNRWA – the UN agency for Palestinian refugees — of having participated in October 7th, albeit with a lack of sufficient evidence to back the claims, leading to a number of investigations to be dropped.
As a result, Congress banned further contributions to UNRWA, the main provider of assistance on the ground in Gaza.
Israel has repeatedly targeted UNRWA throughout its war on Gaza. The agency has even accused Israel of intentionally blocking aid at the expense of Gaza’s starving population. 193 UNRWA workers have been killed. Guterres urged “the world to stand united to safeguard UNRWA in the face of outrageous and relentless attacks.”
The New Arab and agencies
