US 'Grapples' with Aid Ban, Approves More Bombs
While aid groups 'grapple' with Israel's ban, the US House of Representatives recently (April 20, 2024) passed a $26.4 billion package for Israel, including $9 billion for humanitarian aid to Gaza – money that, to date, has been largely blocked from entry. This follows a clear pattern: since October 7th, President Biden has approved over 100 military sales to Israel. Meanwhile, Senator Chris Coons
(D-DE) , a vocal proponent of continued aid, received over $100,000 from AIPAC-affiliated PACs in 2022. It appears policymakers are more concerned with funding Israel's military actions than ensuring aid reaches its intended recipients. The media frames these humanitarian restrictions as an unfortunate 'challenge' (or 'grapple'), rather than a direct consequence of policies overwhelmingly
supported by politicians who happen to be handsomely funded by lobbying groups like AIPAC. One might wonder if the 'grappling' refers to aid groups navigating blockades, or US leadership grappling with the cognitive dissonance of simultaneously delivering bombs and 'humanitarian' funds.