White House to host Israel, Arab States on ‘brainstorming session’ for Gaza aid

Trump’s peace envoy Jason Greenblatt, along with his senior adviser Jared Kushner, will convene an international “brainstorming” session designed to deal with the tiny, overpopulated coastal enclave that’s suffering from gross fiscal mismanagement, misappropriation of humanitarian aid, and unbridled embezzlement, all by Hamas, the ruling government.

By i24NEWS

 

Top White House officials will convene an international “brainstorming” session on Tuesday to find ways of improving the acute humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Trump peace envoy Jason Greenblatt said.

Representatives of several countries will participate, along with Donald Trump’s embattled son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner.

Palestinian in Gaza forced to remain in squalor as Hamas redirects funds for food, health, and reconstruction to tunnel-construction and wages to Hamas militants. – Photo: NYT

“Solving the situation in Gaza is vital for humanitarian reasons, important for the security of Egypt and Israel and is a necessary step toward reaching a comprehensive peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians, including Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank,” Greenblatt said in a statement.

“The challenge will be determining which ideas can be realistically implemented in light of the fact that the Palestinians of Gaza continue to suffer under the authoritarian rule of Hamas,” he added.

A White House official said Kushner and National Security Council staff will put forward set plans “to help the people of Gaza.”

Alongside American officials, Israel and some Arab states will also attend, the Axios website reported.

Greenblatt first revealed news of a “brainstorming session” in a Washington Post opinion piece published last week, in which he skewered Hamas’ “pathetic track record” of running Gaza.

The tiny, overpopulated enclave has also suffered from infighting between Hamas the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, in addition to years-long Israeli blockade that severely limits imports into the territory.

Hamas and Israel have fought several wars since the Islamist group took power there after disputed elections in 2007.

In the Post op-ed, Greenblatt wrote that “We are beholden to find a path to a brighter future for the Palestinians of Gaza.”

He charged that Hamas “has hijacked vast fortunes and spent it on weapons to terrorize Israelis, instead of spending it on hospitals, water, schools and the many other things so desperately needed in Gaza.”

 

i24NEWS diplomatic correspondent Mike Waggenheim contributed reporting.

 

View original i24NEWS publication at:
https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/169754-180312-kushner-greenblatt-to-brainstorm-ideas-on-gaza-aid