Watan-The United States has suspended the transfer of $400 million in humanitarian and food aid designated for Gaza, following unexpected administrative disruptions. The aid, which was scheduled for delivery via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was delayed after the Government Efficiency Administration blocked employee access and deactivated agency accounts worldwide.
A recent decision by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, dated January 29, approved the continuation of select foreign development assistance. However, the decision did not specifically mention Gaza, instead referring to “life-saving humanitarian aid, access to essential medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and basic living assistance, along with reasonable administrative costs.”
Aid Blocked Due to Administrative Shutdown
Following the approval, USAID staff had initiated the transfer process, finalizing the necessary approvals and administrative steps to release the funds. The aid was expected to be disbursed on Monday, February 3. However, a sudden shutdown of USAID email accounts and internal systems disrupted the process, preventing the transfer of funds intended for medical institutions and relief organizations providing food and medicine to Gaza.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the shutdown of USAID operations was linked to a broader restructuring initiative, which directly impacted the agency’s ability to complete the transfer. Efforts were made by officials to push through the funding before the deadline, with reports suggesting that senior USAID staff were deeply frustrated by their inability to deliver much-needed aid.
$78 Million Emergency Transfer Attempted
Reports indicate that just two hours before USAID accounts were deactivated, an agency employee managed to push through a $78 million transaction meant for food, medicine, and shelter in Gaza. This transfer was reportedly approved due to obligations outlined in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which had been brokered by a senior U.S. envoy.
Despite this, the remaining $78 million designated for Gaza still awaits final approval, leaving essential humanitarian efforts in limbo. Sources indicate that unless administrative barriers are lifted, the aid may not reach its intended recipients, putting thousands of civilians in Gaza at risk.
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