“Biden’s Big Bet on Middle East Conflict: Funding Both Sides of Israel-Hamas War
On May 13, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States will be contributing $190 million in aid to Israel and the Palestinian Authority, an effort to help both sides in the Israel-Hamas conflict and restarting negotiations for a two-state solution in the region.
The funding will be divided evenly between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with $75 million for Israeli missile defense and other security supplies and $75 million for humanitarian aid specifically for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The remaining $50 million will be used for development projects and infrastructure needs of both sides.
This announcement marks a shift in the American approach following the recent violence in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Previous U.S. governments have generally offered increased support to Israel in the event of a crisis, and limited aid to the Palestinian Authority. President Biden’s decision to consider both sides in this conflict reflects his commitment to renewing diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement.
The decision has been welcomed by many in the international community as a positive step in resolving the decades-long conflict. The United Nations has previously attempted to facilitate talks between both sides, but negotiations have often deadlocked due to the heavily contested issues of Israeli settlements and Palestinian statehood. The United States will now join in the effort to resolve these difficult issues, and the Biden Administration is hopeful that the injection of this aid money will create an environment conducive to progress.
The impact of this funding is not yet fully known, but analysts believe it could have a significant impact on the conflict. It could help to alleviate the economic suffering of Palestinians in the occupied territories and to encourage dialogue between both sides. Additionally, the new funds can provide a valuable cushion for Israel’s defense against Hamas rocket attacks, providing both sides with a degree of protection from the escalation of violence.
As talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority continue, the Biden administration will be closely following developments to ensure the continued stability of the region. With this latest aid package, President Biden has demonstrated his commitment to finding a lasting peace agreement and bringing an end to the decades-old conflict.