‘US aid to Israel cannot continue,’ says American writer

American writer Jeremy Hammond has told a seminar organised by the Council on International Relations that US aid to Israel “cannot continue.” He made his comment during the event entitled “America is an obstacle to peace”, at which the discussion looked at the prospects of the US-Palestine relationship under the Trump administration.

The council’s head, Dr Bassem Naeem, welcomed the audience and emphasised the importance of highlighting the consequences of US attitudes and behaviour towards the Palestinians during Trump’s presidency. This is especially so in light of the controversial statements made by the new president before and after he won the election in November.

Hammond pointed out that the US is supporting Israel financially and economically, and has increased its annual aid to $3.8 billion. He added that Washington has also promised Israel substantial loans from US taxpayers’ money.

Jeremy Hammonds book “Obstacle to Peace: The US Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”

The winner of the Independent Political Analyst Award stated that the US is a Zionist state in the nature of its composition and that many Americans support Israel on a religious and ideological basis. Hammond also said that Israel’s crimes are committed with various US-made weapons and America’s diplomatic support. This is highlighted by the US use of its veto at the UN Security Council in votes on a number of international resolutions condemning the Israeli occupation.

He added that the US definition of the peace process is the prevention of the two-state solution and the prevention of international law being enforced against Israel. He noted also that the Palestinian Authority serves Israel.

Hammond explained that the US couldn’t continue to officially support Israel because there has been a shift in public opinion, which wants to limit such support. While noting that the PA is serving the occupation, he suggested that President Mahmoud Abbas, has benefitted from the status quo in a personal capacity. Despite the fact that he was elected as president, he rejected Hamas’s election by democratic means. “The Palestinian people must replace Abbas with a new leadership that works on changing the current situation in order to liberate themselves from the occupation,” said the political analyst.

Pointing out that the American media outlets always report the Zionist narrative and discourse, Hammond said that they must stop insisting on imposing Israel’s perspective. “Some defend Israel and say that the return of the Palestine refugees would be suicide for the state.”

This, he added, is part of a media war waged by Israel and its defenders. “There is oppression being exercised against the Palestinians but it is not mentioned in the US media. They do not know the facts about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.” He concluded by saying that the Palestinians must increase their media efforts in order to reach the ordinary American citizens and refute the dominant pro-Israel narrative.