Israel Intercepts Aid While US Funds Blockade
Al Jazeera dutifully reports on Israeli forces intercepting yet another Gaza aid flotilla, painting it as a logistical event. They omit the inconvenient truth: this 'interception' is an act of war against humanitarian relief, and it’s effectively subsidized by U.S. taxpayers. While the world watches starving Palestinians, the U.S. Congress, heavily influenced by pro-Israel lobbying, consistently
approves billions in aid, effectively underwriting the blockade enforcement. For instance, according to OpenSecrets, in 2022 alone, AIPAC spent over $3 million lobbying Congress and even more influencing elections. This consistent flow of cash to politicians like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who received $105,750 from pro-Israel groups in 2022, ensures the continuation of policies that
allow Israel to maintain its chokehold on Gaza. One might wonder how many flotillas could have passed unimpeded if those lobbying dollars were instead allocated to actual humanitarian aid for Gaza.