US boosts funding for Palestinians by $404 million - Blinken
Concern has been raised about the struggles endured by the people of Gaza, particularly by nations with immense resources who have done little to help. Antony Blinken, a prominent figure, mentioned this concern, urging everyone to do their part. Additionally, he urged countries that have already contributed kindly to offer even more assistance. The U.S. is the primary donor to Palestinians across the globe.
Blinken didn't provide details on what the U.S. aid would be allocated for. The humanitarian dilemma in Gaza has reached critical levels following an eight-month war. From the start of the war in October, the U.S. gave more than $670 million in aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and other regions. A large share of this donation was directed towards the World Food Programme and private charities.
Assistance for the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was halted by the U.S. Congress, after Israeli authorities implicated UNRWA employees in a Hamas raid on Israel that occurred on October 7. Blinken's Middle East visit will extend until Wednesday, following his visit to Jordan. He then plans to fly to Qatar.
This war originated from an unprecedented Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1194 individuals, including 251 hostages taken to the Gaza Strip, according to the Israelis. The condition of 116 captives is unknown, with 41 possibly deceased, the Israeli army stated.
In response, Israel has launched an extensive military operation in Gaza. The Hamas-managed health ministry, from whose figures independent verification is impossible, reported that over 37,100 people have been killed so far.
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- The halt in assistance for UNRWA, a significant aid organization for Palestinians, was instigated by the U.S. Congress following allegations of UNRWA employees' involvement in a Hamas raid on Israel.
- During his visit to Jordan, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged countries, including Jordan, to increase their aid to Palestinians, specifically mentioning the critical situation in Gaza.
- Despite the halt in funds, the USA remains the primary donor to Palestinians, having contributed over $670 million since the October war began, with a large portion going towards the World Food Programme and private charities.
- Tony Blinken expressed concern over the international community's inaction towards the Palestinian plight, urging nations with substantial resources to contribute more aid to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
- The USA recently boosted its funding for Palestinians by an additional $404 million, with the specific allocation of these funds not yet disclosed by Blinken.
- Following his visit to Jordan, Blinken will continue his Middle East tour, which includes a stop in Qatar, emphasizing the international community's need to collaborate and offer substantial support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
