Israel is expected to launch a ground invasion into Gaza following a series of terror attacks by Hamas. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, has expressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s supplemental request to Congress, which includes humanitarian aid for Gaza. Blackburn fears that the aid may inadvertently fund terrorism in the region.
In an interview with Digital, Blackburn stated, “Even last week, we got a report that Hamas was intercepting aid that was going [to Gaza], and whether it is money, food, fuel, or even first aid kits and medical supplies — they’re taking it all, and it is not even Gazans.” She emphasized the need for humanitarian aid to reach the suffering people rather than falling into the hands of terrorists.
Last week, the United Nations agency responsible for delivering aid to Palestinians announced that Hamas leaders in Gaza had stolen medical supplies and fuel intended for civilians. However, they later deleted the post and claimed that nothing had been stolen.
President Biden’s $105 billion emergency supplemental request includes $9 billion for Ukraine, Gaza, and Israel. Blackburn argued, “The majority of the American people support Israel, and they want to make certain that aid is going to make it to people who need that aid.” She criticized progressive members of Congress, such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar, who have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and oppose additional funding for Israel’s military.
Blackburn, a leading lawmaker in calling for the freeze of $6 billion in Iranian assets, joined a group of GOP lawmakers in writing a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. They called for the supplemental request to be split into separate packages, arguing that aid to Israel and Ukraine should not be bundled together.
Senate negotiations on the supplemental request are set to begin next week, with Congress convening to pass a final package for White House approval. The article concludes by introducing Jamie Joseph as a writer covering politics, specifically leading Digital’s coverage of the Senate.
This comprehensive news article provides an overview of the impending ground invasion in Gaza and highlights concerns over humanitarian aid potentially funding terrorism. It includes quotes from Senator Blackburn and mentions the involvement of progressive members of Congress. The article also mentions the letter written by GOP lawmakers and provides information on the upcoming Senate negotiations and approval process.
