Biden's $14 bn funding request for Israel raises concerns over potential Palestinian removal from Gaza
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Washington: Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), a rights group in the United States, has expressed concern over President Joe Biden's request for $14 billion in funding for Israel, citing language that suggests the removal of Palestinians from Gaza.
DAWN who take strong objection to the language used warns that this funding could potentially support what they term as the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians.
The White House letter, addressed to Congress on October 20, outlines that the funds are intended to support displaced and conflict-affected civilians, including Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the West Bank.
It emphasizes providing humanitarian assistance such as food, healthcare, shelter support, water, sanitation, and emergency protection. The letter also highlights the possibility of addressing the needs of Gazans fleeing to neighbouring countries.
Amid these concerns, +972 Magazine reported on a leaked Israeli government document outlining a plan to transfer Gaza's entire population abroad, further intensifying worries about Palestinian displacement.
In response to Biden's proposal, Republican lawmakers, led by newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, introduced a bill that separates aid for Israel from assistance for Ukraine. The Republican bill aims to offset the aid to Israel by cutting funding from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a move criticized by Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer rejected the bill, accusing right-wing lawmakers of exploiting the Israel crisis to benefit the ultra-rich.
The political divide on this issue is evident, with Democrats controlling the Senate and the White House, emphasizing the need for compromise to pass any legislation regarding aid money. Some Democrats oppose the Republican proposal, arguing that it sends the wrong message to allies and adversaries globally.
Meanwhile, Arab American support for President Biden has reportedly plummeted to an all-time low of 17 per cent, according to a survey by the Arab American Institute (AAI). The study, conducted last week, reveals a significant drop in support among Arab American communities since 2020.
Respondents also expressed overwhelmingly negative attitudes towards Biden, with an approval rating of 29 percent, an 18-percent decline since April.
This decline in support aligns with Biden's commitment to "rock-solid and unwavering support" for Israel amid its military operation in Gaza, which has led to more than 8,500 Palestinian casualties since October 7. The study suggests that Biden's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict is a key factor contributing to the dissatisfaction among Arab Americans.
As the Biden administration faces criticism for its handling of the conflict, including questioning the number of Palestinians killed and allegations of conflating calls for a ceasefire with anti-Semitism, the political landscape is becoming increasingly complex.
The upcoming 2024 election may witness the impact of this dissatisfaction at the ballot box, particularly among Arab American voters who feel that their concerns are not adequately addressed by the current administration.