Biden Administration Sanctions Israeli Settlers and Increases Aid to Palestinians in Lame Duck Presidency
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Just 62 days before President-Elect Donald Trump takes office, the Biden administration imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, days after allocating $230M in aid for Palestinian economic recovery and essential services.
The sanctions build on President Biden’s February executive order allowing penalties against Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. The Biden administration asserts the measures are necessary to address violence that has resulted in Palestinian deaths and displacement.
The Biden administration, the United Kingdom, and Canada have imposed sanctions on Amana, a settlement development organization, and its construction subsidiary, Binyanei Bar Amana.
The sanctions block Amana and its subsidiary from accessing assets, property, or interests through the U.S. financial system. Additionally, U.S. companies face penalties for conducting business with sanctioned individuals or entities.
Meanwhile, three days ago, the Biden administration allocated $230 million for humanitarian projects in the West Bank and Gaza.
In announcing the $230 million aid package, USAID stated its “commitment to the Palestinian people remains steadfast.” Amy Tohill-Stull, USAID’s mission director in the West Bank and Gaza, added, “This funding demonstrates our resolve to support sustainable development and provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all Palestinians and further reduce the influence of Hamas.”
Since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, the U.S. has sent over $2 billion in taxpayer funds to Palestinians, sparking criticism that it props up Hamas.
The administration’s latest moves against Israel seem aimed at appeasing detractors within Congress and the State Department.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees reported Monday that nearly 100 humanitarian aid trucks headed for Gaza were “violently looted” over the weekend.
In a post on X, the U.N. agency said a convoy of 109 trucks left the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Gaza on Saturday when drivers were forced at gunpoint to stop and unload their supplies. The agency confirmed that 97 trucks were lost.
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