by Christi Parsons
President Obama on Wednesday pledged an additional $400 million in assistance for housing, school construction and business development in Gaza and the West Bank, telling Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in a one-on-one meeting that the US is committed to improving the lives of those who live there.
"We think it is important to reaffirm our commitment to improving the day-to-day lives of ordinary Palestinians," Obama told reporters after the morning meeting.
The Oval Office meeting had been scheduled for weeks, well before the deadly Israeli raid of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
Obama had been planning to spend the time focused on the Middle East peace process and the US effort to promote talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.
But the May 31 confrontation between Israeli commandos and a flotilla of activists has affected perceptions in the international community about the parties to the talks, and thus the agenda for the Abbas visit to Washing today and Thursday.
Abbas called Obama's morning pledge a hopeful sign.
"This is a positive signal of the United States, that the United States cares about the suffering of the people in Gaza," Abbas said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit the White House in the next few weeks.
Photo Credit: Alex Wong / Getty Images
Comments
And where is the US going to find this extra $400 million to give?
In this era of record deficits, Obama's promise is insane.
Posted by: How's that "hope and change" working out? | June 9, 2010 1:44 PM
Will Obama send a flotilla to break the blockade? Would not put it past him.
Posted by: The_Crooks_In_DC | June 9, 2010 2:34 PM
I'm so sick and tired of this outrage going on in the Middle East. For those who are familiar with Israel's plight you have to understand that when concessions are called for its the Israeli's that are doing most of the bending. Abbas if he really is the leader, then he and he alone must get controls over his people, and especially Hamas. Palestine has held on to that young solider long enough. But Hamas and Abbas want the world for him. They want a 100 to 1 prisoner exchange. If Palestine is serious about wanting peace in the region, then get real and start negotiating in good faith.
Posted by: Paul | June 9, 2010 2:47 PM
What is Obama thinking?
400 million? For what to build more buildings for Hamas to shoot rockets from? Earth to Barry!, Israel blew up these buildings since Hamas uses civilian buildings like houses & schools to shoot rockets from! No money should be given to these people until they can control what the heck is going on in their "so-called" (to quote that old useless bat Helen Thomas) own country!!!
Posted by: wingnutmaster | June 9, 2010 4:39 PM
A small problem with Obama and Abbas discussing aid to Gaza - neither has any authority there. Hamas controls Gaza.
Further, aren't we in a recession racking up record federal deficits? I say if we need to tighten our belts, we should start with foreign aid.
Posted by: Herbie H. | June 9, 2010 7:01 PM
Maybe he'll just hand them an IOU, like the government does for Social Insecurity.
Thanks Santaobama.
Posted by: It's Like Christmas | June 9, 2010 9:22 PM
"The "a$$ kickin' Marxist meets with one of his allies."
There's your better lead line right there, Christi.
There are an incalculable number of reasons why there are guitars. Tonight, I just can't take no more of this "a$$ kickin" tough talkin' kardboard celebritee.
Posted by: Django - N Exile In/Around the 30th Parallel | June 10, 2010 12:10 AM
Obama will help them to resolve many problem.Hope They will be happy....
Posted by: MCSE courses UK | June 10, 2010 6:42 AM
I think, that in order to be a viable third party, in the peace talks, America must be even-handed and that means, helping the Palestinians. I think it was a very astute diplomatic maneuver, to assist Palestine. In doing so, they are assisting Israel. Once again, President Obama is willing to take chances and try something new. Something, the Bush&Cheney would never consider, instead, they allowed the deadly entanglement to fester, even more. Change that is good and sensible !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | June 10, 2010 8:36 AM
Rachel Corrie was not available for comment.
Posted by: milton friedman | June 10, 2010 9:38 PM
WHAT?
Posted by: Free To Watch Liberals Bankrupt Europe | June 12, 2010 5:22 AM