A federal judge in Texas has refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority, rejecting the Biden administration’s bid. Representative Ronny Jackson and others argue that the funding unlawfully supports terrorism, targeting aid that could benefit the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza.
Filed before recent Hamas attacks, the lawsuit focuses on aid that could indirectly assist the Palestinian Authority. Judge Kacsmaryk ruled that the plaintiffs have legitimate concerns, allowing the case to proceed despite the administration’s objections.
Representative Jackson welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding alleged terrorist funding using American taxpayer dollars.
The lawsuit centers on the Taylor Force Act, named after an American veteran fatally stabbed by a Palestinian in 2017. Congress enacted the law in 2018 to halt payments by the Palestinian Authority to families of militants killed or imprisoned by Israeli authorities.
The Biden administration argues that the law does not prohibit economic support funds for the West Bank and Gaza but merely restricts how the money is spent. However, the lawsuit alleges that the administration is unlawfully channeling U.S. taxpayer funds by providing aid to non-governmental organizations that indirectly benefit the Palestinian Authority, violating the law’s provisions.
The ruling by Judge Kacsmaryk allows the lawsuit to proceed to the next stage, marking a significant development in the legal battle over U.S. aid to the region.
The case underscores the ongoing debate over U.S. assistance to the Palestinian territories amid concerns about its potential use in supporting activities deemed detrimental to American interests and security.
