America to Provide $1.3 Billion in Military Aid to Egypt

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department announced that President Joe Biden’s administration has informed Congress today (Wednesday) that it will provide Egypt with $1.3 billion in military aid. This is the first time since 2020 that Egypt will receive the full amount of this aid, according to Reuters.

The announcement comes at a time when Washington is heavily relying on Cairo, an old ally of the United States, to play a crucial role in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas. The goal is to achieve a ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Of the $1.3 billion in U.S. military aid allocated to Egypt, $320 million is subject to conditions that have previously led to withholding part of this amount. However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced today that the administration will waive some of these conditions related to $225 million this year, based on considerations related to U.S. national security, according to the spokesperson via email.

The State Department spokesperson added that this decision is significant for promoting regional peace and for Egypt’s ongoing contributions to U.S. national security priorities, especially in completing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, securing the return of hostages, increasing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and working towards a lasting end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.