Representative Brian Mast (R-TX) has criticized President Joe Biden (D) and his administration for sending hundreds of millions of dollars to a group that is being accused of diverting humanitarian aid to Hamas.
The terrorist organization carried out an attack that killed approximately 1,000 Israelis on Oct. 7.
The group in question is known as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The USAID Office of Inspector General found that there is “deliberate interference and efforts to divert humanitarian assistance” according to Rep. Mast’s congressional website.
“I hate to admit it, but it’s true - our tax dollars may be used to empower Hamas,” said Rep. Mast. “In the past few years, the Biden Administration donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In fact, in 2022 alone, the United States provided $344 million to this agency.”
Furthermore, the Florida congressman pointed out reports regarding UNRWA schools supporting and facilitating help to Hamas’ cause.
“Moreover, there are alarming accounts of Hamas tunnels suspiciously close to UNRWA schools, as well as teachers promoting anti-Israel and anti-Semitic messages on social media. Most recently, we have seen troubling reports that an Israel hostage was held in an UNRWA teacher’s attic after being kidnapped in the October 7th attack,” Mast stated.
He continued by mentioning that he has called out Commissioner-General of the UNRWA, Mr. Philippe Lazzarini to answer for the accusations made toward his organization.
“American’s tax dollars must not be used to undermine our greatest ally in the Middle-East, Israel. I will continue to demand answers from UNRWA to make sure not a single cent of your money makes its way to Hamas!” concluded Mast.
Earlier this month the Florida congressman provided a personal reflection regarding the trials and tribulations that he faced as an amputee while serving in the U.S. Military after visiting an Israeli amputee.
“When I lost my legs from an explosion in the Kandahar Valley, Afghanistan, I fell into a state of despair. I remember waking up in a bed in Walter Reed Hospital trying to make sense of what had happened. As a soldier, my career was over,” said Rep. Mast.
He continued, providing reasoning for his decision to work with those who have lost so much – mentally and physically.
Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) visits amputees in Israel
“During this tumultuous moment, my father was by my side to give me life-changing advice: do not let your best days of service be behind you … That is why I worked with an organization, The Next Step, to spread the message of hope to many new Israeli amputees, many of whom lost their limbs from Hamas’ indiscriminate bombings and shooting on October 7. These amputees - many of whom are civilians - woke up in hospital beds, and in despair. As an amputee myself, I know how that feels.”
Congressman Mast represents Florida’s 21st Congressional District.
