House Votes to Block U.S. Funding to Rebuild Gaza
Introduction:
The House of Representatives recently voted to block the U.S. from providing funding for the reconstruction of Gaza, a region that was heavily destroyed and financed by the U.S. This provision was introduced as an amendment to the annual defense budget and was passed by a simple voice vote. While Democrats opposed the amendment, they did not request a recorded vote.
Republicans’ Opposition to Rebuilding Gaza:
Reps. Brian Mast, Claudia Tenney, and Eli Crane, all Republicans, introduced the provision to block funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. Mast, a former volunteer in the Israeli military, argued that it is nonsensical to rebuild a place that has been devastated by Israeli and American bombs for eight months. He expressed concern that the U.S. is supporting an ally that has caused significant destruction.
U.S. Funding to Israel:
The U.S. has provided $12.5 billion to Israel this year alone, with an annual budget of $3.8 billion supplemented by an additional $8.7 billion approved in April. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the destruction of over half the buildings in the region, displacement of 1.7 million Palestinians, and the death of more than 37,000 people.
Gaza-Focused Amendments:
The provision to block funding for Gaza’s reconstruction is just one of several amendments introduced by Republicans and moderate Democrats in relation to Gaza. Some of these proposals are likely to face resistance in the Senate. These amendments reflect a lack of value for Palestinian lives among many members of Congress.
Opposition to Palestinian Refugees:
Texas Republicans filed an amendment to ban the use of Department of Defense funds to transport Palestinian refugees to the United States. Democrats requested a recorded vote for this measure, indicating their opposition.
Republican Amendments on Gaza’s Pier:
Republican lawmakers introduced two amendments related to the Pentagon’s temporary pier in Gaza, which facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid. One amendment aims to prohibit the use of funds for the pier’s construction, maintenance, or repair, effectively shutting down the project. Another amendment seeks to ban U.S. funds from being spent on the pier or similar structures.
Republican Amendments Against BDS Movement:
Republicans also filed amendments to combat the movement to boycott, divest, or sanction Israel for its illegal occupation of Palestine. These amendments aim to prohibit the Department of Defense from entering into contracts with entities engaged in a boycott of Israel and express opposition to the Department of Defense’s participation in a European defense exhibition if Israeli firms face restrictions on attending.
Democratic Support for Joint Military Ventures:
Among the amendments with Democratic sponsors are ones expressing support for joint military ventures between the U.S. and Israel. This demonstrates bipartisan support for military cooperation between the two countries.
Assessment of Gaza Ministry of Health’s Death Toll:
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, filed an amendment to require an assessment of the accuracy of the Gaza Ministry of Health’s death toll accounting. Supporters of Israel have previously questioned the credibility of these figures due to Hamas’ control over the health ministry. However, the Ministry of Health’s numbers have been corroborated by international organizations and even the Israeli government itself. Given the extensive damage and potential missing individuals, it is possible that the ministry’s figures are an undercount.
Conclusion:
The House’s decision to block U.S. funding for Gaza’s reconstruction reflects a contentious debate over U.S. support for Israel and its actions in Gaza. While Republicans argue against rebuilding a region devastated by Israeli and American bombs, Democrats and some Republicans express concern about the lack of value placed on Palestinian lives. The amendments introduced by both parties highlight their differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their approach to addressing it.
