US promises millions in aid to Palestinians amid humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Sweimeh, Jordan - Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday announced $404 million in new US assistance for Palestinians, as he urged other countries also to give money to address Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
![Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday announced $404 million in new US assistance for Palestinians amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.](https://media.tag24.de/951x634/v/g/vgy14uokbwx3l74fa4i7npt2ycp7kss6.jpg)
The aid, announced at an emergency aid conference in Jordan, brings the total US contribution to Palestinians – in Gaza, the West Bank, and the region – to $674 million since war broke out in October, according to the State Department.
But Blinken noted that a UN appeal for the Palestinians was only one-third funded, with a shortfall of some $2.3 billion.
"Some have expressed great concern over the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, including countries with the capacity to give a lot, have provided very little or nothing at all," Blinken told an emergency aid conference in Jordan, in a likely reference to US adversaries China and Russia.
"It is time for everyone – everyone – to step up. And for those who have already given and given generously, give more," he said.
Blinken did not specify how the US would deliver the assistance, but Washington – the largest donor to the Palestinians – has focused on the World Food Program and private aid groups.
Congress has banned further contributions to the main provider of assistance on the ground – UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Cover photo: JACK GUEZ / POOL / AFP