For many decades, Israelis and Palestinians have waged a bitter and bloody struggle over lands they both claim by historical right. In 2007, Israel instituted a blockade on the Gaza Strip and closed its border with Egypt. Since then, the Palestinian economy has been crippled by Israeli restrictions on its commercial trade and a ban on its exports, which had accounted for most of Gaza’s income. Most Palestinians are living below the poverty level of $2/day. At least 7 wars have been fought between these neighbors since 1987. These wars have destroyed Gaza’s infrastructure and claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinian children and civilians. A relatively few number of Israelis have also lost their lives. Results of a recent Palestinian poll show mixed views on long-term peace issues among Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The two-state solution has lost some support and only a very small minority support a “one-state solution” with equal rights for all, or expect Israel would ever agree to that idea. Each year, we provide Israel with nearly $4 billion in military and economic aid while the Palestinians receive about $350 million in economic assistance.

Proposed Legislation: H.R.3104 - Partnership Fund for Peace Act of 2019
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Bradley Schneider (IL)