DeSantis calls Biden administration $100 million for humanitarian aid a ‘gift to Hamas’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis attacked the Biden administration for providing a $100 million in foreign aid to Gaza and the West Bank for humanitarian assistance.
President Joe Biden announced that the money would support more than one million displaced and “conflict-affected Palestinians.” The Florida governor called the aid a “gift to the Gaza Strip.”
“Joe Biden just announced $100 million of your taxpayer dollars going to the Gaza Strip,” DeSantis said. “They say it’s humanitarian assistance. We know Hamas is going to commandeer that money, and Hamas is going to use it to advance terrorism.”
“I say no U.S. tax dollars to the Gaza Strip. We still have hostages being held by Hamas,” he added.
“How are you funding them when they’re holding Americans, as well as others, hostage?” he said. “I challenge every Republican running: step up to the plate. Join me in opposing Biden’s $100 million gift to Hamas.”
The White House provided a statement on the resources that are being distributed to Gaza.
“This funding will help support over a million displaced and conflict-affected people with clean water, food, hygiene support, medical care, and other essential needs,” the statement said.
“The United States provides humanitarian assistance through trusted partners including UN agencies and international NGOs,” they added.
The administration proceeded that Palestinian civilians are not to blame for Hamas’ “horrific terrorism.”
“We will continue to work closely with partners in the region to stress the importance of upholding the law of war, supporting those who are trying to get to safety or provide assistance, and facilitating access to food, water, medical care, and shelter,” they said.
Biden also promoted the foreign aid that the White House distributed.
“I just announced $100 million for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the West Bank,” he said. “This money will support over 1 million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians.”
“And we will have mechanisms in place so this aid reaches those in need – not Hamas or terrorist groups,” he added.
DeSantis has been starkly pro-Israel since the escalation of the conflict earlier this month.
The governor signed an executive order to provide flights for nearly 300 Americans stuck in Israel so they could arrive safely back in the United States.
