USAID Shut Down: U.S. Halts Global Aid Operations, Including West Bank and Gaza

In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, the Biden administration has ordered the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), effectively halting its operations worldwide, including critical aid programs in the West Bank and Gaza.

The decision comes amid increasing scrutiny of foreign aid spending and shifting diplomatic priorities. USAID, which has operated since 1961, has been a key player in global development, funding health, education, and humanitarian programs in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Impact on the West Bank and Gaza:

The shutdown of USAID programs in the West Bank and Gaza is expected to have immediate consequences for Palestinian communities that rely on U.S.-funded health, education, and infrastructure projects. Humanitarian organizations warn that the loss of funding could exacerbate economic hardship and limit access to essential services.

Global Aid Programs Frozen:

Beyond the Middle East, the move has triggered widespread concern among international aid organizations. USAID-funded programs addressing poverty, disaster relief, and public health worldwide have been ordered to suspend operations. Organizations that depend on U.S. funding report that payments have been frozen, forcing them to halt critical services.

Political Reactions:

The decision has sparked sharp reactions in Washington and abroad. Critics argue that dismantling USAID undermines decades of U.S. diplomatic efforts and weakens America's influence in global development. "The only winners are geopolitical rivals like China and Russia," warned Chris Barrett, a professor of public policy at Cornell University.

Meanwhile, officials defending the move argue that USAID has been inefficient and that the U.S. should reassess its foreign aid strategy.

What’s Next?

With USAID operations winding down, questions remain about the future of U.S. involvement in international humanitarian efforts. The Biden administration has yet to outline any alternative plans for global aid distribution, leaving many in the development sector uncertain about the long-term implications of this decision.

For now, communities that have long relied on USAID support face an uncertain future as one of the world’s largest aid agencies prepares to shut its doors.