Blinken waives human rights conditions, grants Egypt full military aid to recognize Cairo's efforts in reaching Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal
Egypt will receive its full $1.3 billion in military aid from the Biden administration this year, despite not meeting the human rights conditions previously set by the United States, according to a New York Times report.
This decision, which marks the first time the Biden administration has waived these human rights conditions, was reportedly made “mainly in recognition of Cairo’s efforts to reach a cease-fire deal in Gaza.”
The New York Times also reported that Egypt’s involvement in ceasefire efforts in the Sudanese civil war was another factor that led U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to make the decision.
“This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypt’s specific and ongoing contributions to US national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict,” a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said.
While $980 million of aid was granted automatically, and $95 million was granted due to certain improvements in human rights concerning political prisoners and the treatment of American citizens, it was the final $225 million in funding that was granted without Egypt meeting the U.S. conditions.
Such requirements previously led to the U.S. withholding $85 million from Egypt in 2023, and $130 million in 2021 and 2022.
We recommend to read:
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
