Ron DeSantis blasts Biden plan for Gaza aid as Florida flies medical supplies to Israel

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to run his own Israeli rescue mission from the Sunshine State.

The Republican governor announced that the state has deployed two cargo planes of critically needed supplies to Israel, days after he helped secure a flight to Tampa International Airport for 270 Americans stranded in Israel after the deadly Hamas terrorist attack.

“With the lack of leadership in Washington, we are stepping up to help our allies in Israel who are in need of supplies and our support,” said Mr. DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.

“As we continue to bring back Americans who were stranded in Israel when the war began, we will also keep sending the necessary health care supplies for Israel to care for those who have been injured,” he said.

Two cargo flights loaded with 85 pallets of donated supplies are on their way to Israel.

Florida stands with the people of Israel, and we will continue to help in any way we can as they fight back against Hamas terrorists. pic.twitter.com/NcF7AxWgXI

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 17, 2023

He also took a swipe Tuesday at the Biden administration’s plan to develop with Israel an aid plan for civilians living in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave from which Hamas terrorists launched the brutal Oct. 7 assault, killing 1,300 Israeli civilians, plus 30 Americans and other foreign nations.

The Islamist terror group also took about 200 more Israeli residents, including some U.S. citizens, as hostages.

“Innocent Americans and Israelis are being held hostage by Hamas terrorists, yet Biden is more focused on sending ‘humanitarian aid’ to Gaza that will be commandeered by Hamas terrorists,” Mr. DeSantis posted on the social-media platform X.

“Biden should work with Israel to free all American and Israeli hostages, not shower Hamas with money,” he said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed concerns about humanitarian aid to Gaza being funneled to terrorists, telling reporters Monday that if Hamas seizes or blocks the supplies, “we’ll be the first to condemn it and we will work to prevent it from happening again.”

Innocent Americans and Israelis are being held hostage by Hamas terrorists, yet Biden is more focused on sending “humanitarian aid” to Gaza that will be commandeered by Hamas terrorists.

Biden should work with Israel to free all American and Israeli hostages, not shower Hamas… pic.twitter.com/XaJ60Rn7bG

— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) October 17, 2023

The Florida Division of Emergency Management flew 85 pallets of donated items, including medical supplies, clothing, hygiene products, sleeping bags and children’s toys, on two cargo planes scheduled to arrive Wednesday in Israel.

Kevin Guthrie, Florida’s emergency-management executive director, said that the state worked with the Israeli Consulate, medical organizations and hospitals to identify “what items were most in need to reduce inundation and increase efficiency.”