Photo: The Times of Israel
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 post Biden Administration Targets Israeli Settlers with Sanctions, Boosts Aid to Palestinians in Lame Duck Moves appeared first on Worthy Christian News.
