In knock at GOP, USAID chief laments politicization of humanitarian aid to Palestinians

In a subtle knock at Republicans who in recent years have become increasingly opposed to granting US humanitarian aid to the Palestinians amid concerns it could be funneled for use by terrorists, USAID chief Samantha Power laments the politicization of such financial support.

“For decades, there has been a broad consensus both in Israel and the United States that investments in the health and well being of Palestinians benefits everyone, including Israelis. That investing in a girl’s education is both righteous and necessary. Regardless of which side of the line it occurs on. That a lack of opportunity only fuels distrust and alienation,” she says in a pre-recorded address to the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) winter gala. “Yet today it has become controversial, to provide life saving aid to the Palestinian people and invest in their development.”

“Thankfully, each of you understand, as we do at USAID, that peace is not some destination at which we arrive in the future. Peace is a process of building understanding and connection between peoples, a process the bit by bit, amid steps forward and setbacks, builds a foundation for reconciliation, and harmony,” Power says.