The Biden administration's latest Middle East policy move is raising eyebrows.
The Biden administration's decision to engage a Hamas-linked contractor for a Gaza port project has sparked concerns over potential implications for regional stability and U.S.-Israel relations, Breitbart reported.
The Administration's plan involves building a floating port off the coast of Gaza, purportedly to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the beleaguered region. Baruch Yedid, Arab Affairs Correspondent for Israel’s Channel 14, reported that the Al Hissi company, known for its close ties to Hamas, will be involved in the project. This information has opened up a Pandora's box of criticism and apprehension, considering the sensitive geopolitical landscape of the region.
Qatar has stepped forward with financial backing for the construction, setting the condition that Al Hissi be the primary contractor. While the aim of providing humanitarian aid is commendable, the choice of contractor and financier has led to a dubious situation where the project could inadvertently strengthen Hamas financially.
The Al Hissi company's exact role remains a bit hazy, yet preparations are underway with the U.S. military preparing pier components to be shipped to Gaza.
Despite assurances from President Joe Biden that no American military personnel would be present on the ground, the project's management will likely fall to Palestinian contractors. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to provide onshore security during the construction, an ironic twist where Israeli soldiers would indirectly protect a Hamas-linked asset. The transfer of control of the project to a partnership between Qatar and Hamas by USAID has been controversial, with Caroline Glick highlighting the significance of this decision on social media.
The involvement of Qatar is seen as a calculated move to preserve the influence of Hamas and to gain a foothold over a critical lifeline in the Gaza Strip. The Al Hissi Company, as the primary supplier for Gaza's infrastructure projects, is effectively a subsidiary of Hamas, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Critics worry that the project could serve to legitimize a continuous Israeli presence in Gaza and ignore the Israeli opposition to the plan.
A senior Jordanian officer has expressed reservations over Hamas's participation, implying a broader regional unease regarding the project. The U.S. and Qatar's collaboration here reflects a larger geopolitical game, where interests and strategic dynamics are interwoven in an intricate tapestry. The controversy itself is symptomatic of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Israel over policy approaches to Hamas and the broader situation in Gaza.
Baruch Yedid and Shimon Riklin have raised questions about the pier's ownership and control, underscoring Qatar's and Hamas's involvement and the American request that Qatar finance and manage the operation.
A spokesman for Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) commented on Israel's efforts to ensure aid delivery from the pier but refrained from elaborating on Al Hissi's contentious involvement.
The potential implications of IDF soldiers guarding the construction site and the control of the pier by Hamas and Qatar have been publicly discussed by Riklin and Yedid. While the precise details remain opaque, such involvement could signal a shift in regional power dynamics and has the potential to reshape the security landscape. The historical stance of Samantha Power, associated with USAID, towards Israel, has been brought to the forefront, raising questions about the underlying motivations and impacts of this project.
In summary, the Biden Administration's plans to construct a floating port off Gaza's coast with a contractor linked to Hamas, funded by Qatar, has stirred up a hornet's nest of concerns and criticism. The project not only risks financially empowering an organization considered a terrorist group by many but also challenges the delicate balance of power and security in the region.
The U.S.'s role, Qatar's financial involvement, and the implications for Israeli security are all pivotal points of debate and concern. With USAID's transfer of control to a partnership between Qatar and Hamas, the project has become a focal point of discussion about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and its potential consequences.
