- The Washington Times - Wednesday, October 18, 2023

A version of this story appeared in the On Background newsletter from The Washington Times. Click here to receive On Background delivered directly to your inbox each Friday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling on his rivals for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination to join him in opposing President Biden’s plan for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

After meeting with Israeli leaders in Tel Aviv, Mr. Biden announced his plan to send $100 million to Gaza and the West Bank to help civilians caught in the middle of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“They say it is humanitarian assistance,” Mr. DeSantis said in an online video. “We know Hamas is going to commandeer that money and Hamas is going to use it to advance terrorism.”

“I say no U.S. tax dollars to the Gaza strip,” Mr. DeSantis said. “I challenge every Republican running: step up to the plate, join me in opposing Biden’s $100 million gift to Hamas.”

Mr. DeSantis posted the video hours after Mr. Biden spelled out his plans.

“This money will support more than 1 million displaced and conflict-affected Palestinians, including emergency needs in Gaza,” Mr. Biden said in a speech in Tel Aviv.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.