Biden Promises Jordan with $1.45 Billion in Assistance Per Year

US President Joe Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II meet in Jeddah. Photo: Petra
US President Joe Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II meet in Jeddah. Photo: Petra
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Biden Promises Jordan with $1.45 Billion in Assistance Per Year

US President Joe Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II meet in Jeddah. Photo: Petra
US President Joe Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II meet in Jeddah. Photo: Petra

US President Joe Biden announced Saturday that Washington intends to sign a new MoU to assist Jordan with no less than $1.45 billion per year in US bilateral foreign assistance to the country.

“Biden announced the intention of the United States to enter into a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for assistance for Jordan, in which the United States plans to make a commitment to support the provision of no less than $1.45 billion per year in US bilateral foreign assistance to Jordan, beginning in FY 2023 and ending in FY 2029,” a joint statement said following a meeting between Biden and King Abdullah II on the sidelines of an Arab-US summit in Jeddah.

“The MOU represents a major US political commitment to Jordan’s stability and the durability of the partnership,” it said.

“The MOU is designed to address Jordan’s extraordinary needs, supports King Abdullah II’s economic reform program, and ensure the long-term strength of the close partnership between the United States and Jordan,” the statement added.

The king stressed the importance of this support to Jordan’s economic reform plans, its efforts to realize more sustainable economic growth, and to mitigate the impact of regional crises.

The two leaders highlighted the strong defense partnership between the two countries, and reiterated commitment to their partnership in the fight against terrorism.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to continue working for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of the two-state solution.

“They stressed the importance of fostering political and economic horizons through confidence-building measures that would set the ground for meaningful Palestinians-Israeli negotiations. They also emphasized the importance of including the Palestinians in regional cooperation projects,” the statement added.



Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hamas Delays Leadership Vote

A man cuts wood among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A man cuts wood among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
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Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Hamas Delays Leadership Vote

A man cuts wood among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A man cuts wood among the rubble of buildings destroyed during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has prompted the Palestinian group to delay electing a new leader for its political bureau, sources within the movement told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Hamas had initially planned to hold the election following last month's ceasefire in the enclave, but internal assessments led to a postponement, the sources said.

Since Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024, followed by the killing of his successor Yahya Sinwar in October—reportedly by coincidence—the group has been operating under a “leadership council” structure.

The council is headed by Mohammed Darwish, a previously low-profile figure within Hamas who rarely appears in the media. Senior official Khalil al-Hayya has also emerged as a key representative, frequently leading the group’s delegations.

Hamas leaders agree on the need to elect or appoint a new head for the group’s political bureau in Gaza, sources affirmed.

Al-Hayya has been effectively filling the role on a temporary basis, they said.

However, an election does not necessarily mean he will step aside. Instead, he could remain in the position under a structure endorsed by Hamas institutions and leadership at all levels, sources added.

Hamas’ leadership council will continue to make key decisions as political and security conditions delay elections, they explained.

In short, the latest developments forced Hamas to postpone its leadership vote. That is why the current leadership council will remain in charge until a stable political and security environment allows for elections.

On the governmental level, the sources said efforts are underway to restructure Gaza’s administrative framework, particularly to manage key files and appoint an interim figure to lead governance until an agreement on the enclave’s future is reached.

Hamas’ involvement in shaping Gaza’s future remains a complex issue on local, regional, and international levels, as efforts continue to solidify a fragile truce with Israel.

Sources within the movement also revealed that Hamas is willing to show “maximum flexibility” to push forward with the ceasefire agreement, advance to the next phase of negotiations, and ultimately end the war.