President Joe Biden’s $100 million humanitarian aid to Palestine is at “high risk” of falling into the hands of terrorists, according to a watchdog group.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General said on Friday that the Biden administration’s aid funding is “high-risk for potential diversion” and could “fall into the hands of foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) including, but not limited to, Hamas.”
“USAID OIG has identified deliberate interference and efforts to divert humanitarian assistance in regions where FTO activity is prevalent,” the office’s report read. “This includes: systemic coercion of aid workers by FTOs; imposition of taxes, duties, and fees on USAID awardees and beneficiaries; and FTO influence over beneficiary selection and internally displaced persons camp management.”
Biden, 80, asked Congress for $106 billion in funding for Israel and Ukraine in the midst of their ongoing wars and included the $100 million aid to the Palestinian territories in that request. The U.S. House of Representatives rejected the president and Senate leaders who support the joint aid package on Thursday by passing $14.3 billion in additional military aid to Israel alone.
This comes after the Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israel and invaded towns along the Gaza border earlier last month, killing at least 700 people. According to IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, the death toll so far has risen to 1,200 since the conflict between the two parties erupted.
The attack prompted Israel to declare war against the terrorist group with a ruthless aerial campaign that has flattened homes, schools, medical institutions, and government buildings in the Gaza Strip.
Biden has also pledged his support for Israel, with his administration already moving military units to the country as well as supplying them with munitions and interceptors to ensure the Iron Dome defense system has enough supplies.
“We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack,” he said in remarks days following the attack. “There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse.”
