FLASHBACK: Biden Officials Acknowledge Palestinian Aid Funds May Support Hamas, Free Beacon Reveals.
Washington Free Beacon Report Reveals Biden Administration Knew Palestinian Aid Would Benefit Hamas
The Washington Free Beacon reported back in August that the Biden administration was aware that its Palestinian aid would directly benefit Hamas, the Iran-backed terrorist group responsible for the recent attack on Israel.
Internal State Department documents from 2021 acknowledged that “Hamas could potentially derive indirect, unintentional benefit from U.S. assistance to Gaza,” which goes against laws prohibiting taxpayer aid to Palestinian terror organizations. These documents, obtained by the watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust, contradict the Biden administration’s public claim that the aid would comply with U.S. law.
In 2021, the Biden administration resumed U.S. taxpayer-funded payments to the Palestinians, which had been halted by the Trump administration due to the Palestinian Authority’s support for terrorists.
This report takes on a new significance in light of Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel, the deadliest in the country’s history. As of Sunday, Hamas terrorists have killed over 600 Israelis, injured thousands more, and taken at least 100 Israelis captive in Gaza, according to Reuters. Additionally, the State Department confirmed that nine Americans were among those killed. Disturbing photos and videos circulating on social media depict Hamas’s brutal acts of murder, kidnapping, and rape against Israeli civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
In a controversial move, the Biden administration recently provided $6 billion to Iran, a known supporter of Hamas and an accomplice in planning the terrorist group’s attack, as part of a hostage exchange. The Free Beacon reported that this payment “likely allowed Iran to reallocate significant parts of its budget—including funds it would have been forced to spend on food and medical aid—toward its global terror operations.”
While the Biden administration denies any connection between the payment and the attacks, policy analysts remain skeptical. Former State Department adviser Gabriel Noronha stated that the payment “freed up huge reserves to ensure that Iran could continue this support” for Hamas. Iran expert Jonathan Schanzer told the Free Beacon that the hostage deal also encouraged Hamas’s hostage-taking during the attack.
President Joe Biden is facing intense criticism from his Republican presidential rivals, as reported by the Associated Press. Former President Donald Trump criticized the United States under Biden, stating that the world sees the country as “weak and ineffective.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also accused Biden’s policies of ”helping to fill [Iran’s] coffers.”
What steps should the Biden administration take to address concerns raised by the Washington Free Beacon report and ensure that aid programs comply with U.S. law
R”>have killed at least 600 Israelis and injured thousands more, while launching thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians.
The information revealed in the Washington Free Beacon report raises serious questions about the Biden administration’s decision to provide aid that they knew could potentially benefit Hamas. It also raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not being used to support terrorism.
The fact that the Biden administration was aware of the potential consequences of providing aid to Gaza, specifically the risk of indirectly benefiting Hamas, suggests a disregard for the safety and security of Israel and its citizens. Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization committed to the destruction of Israel, and any assistance to Gaza must be carefully considered to prevent aiding and abetting terrorism.
Additionally, the report contradicts the Biden administration’s previous claims that the aid would comply with U.S. law. It casts doubt on the administration’s ability to effectively vet and monitor the distribution of aid to ensure it does not end up in the hands of terrorist organizations.
Providing aid to the Palestinian people is an important humanitarian objective. However, it must be done in a manner that does not compromise national security or inadvertently support terrorism. The Biden administration must be held accountable for its decision to proceed with aid despite being aware of the potential risks.
Going forward, it is crucial that the Biden administration takes immediate steps to address these concerns. This includes implementing rigorous safeguards and oversight mechanisms to prevent taxpayer dollars from reaching terrorist organizations. It also requires a thorough review of existing policies and procedures to ensure that aid programs are in full compliance with U.S. law.
The U.S. has a key role to play in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, and providing aid to the Palestinian people is a part of that. However, it is essential that this assistance is provided in a responsible manner that does not jeopardize the security of our allies or undermine the fight against terrorism.
The revelations in the Washington Free Beacon report should serve as a wake-up call for the Biden administration and the American public. It is imperative that we prioritize the safety and security of our allies, including Israel, and ensure that our actions align with our values and national interests.
By holding the Biden administration accountable and demanding transparency and accountability in our foreign aid policies, we can work towards a more secure and peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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