Rep. Cleaver Introduces Legislation to Ensure Humanitarian Assistance is Accessible to Displaced Palestinians; Bill Passes Out of Financial Services Committee with Bipartisan Support

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced H.R. 6367, the Armed Conflict Migration Act, to help ensure humanitarian assistance is accessible to displaced Palestinians that may temporarily flee to safety following Hamas’ terrorist attack last month. The bill would specifically direct the Treasury Secretary to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to direct each international financial institution, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), to support financial assistance to countries that receive an influx of civilian, non-combatant displaced Palestinians to be used for humanitarian aid. The bill was passed by the House Financial Services Committee with bipartisan support yesterday afternoon.

“Despite the horrific conditions we are seeing in Gaza, we know that many Palestinians will choose to stay in Gaza, and they must be supported with the necessary humanitarian aid to do so,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, there will also be some in Gaza who would like to escape what could be a prolonged and increasingly concerning conflict. The United States can and must use our influence internationally to ensure all Palestinians displaced by this conflict in any way have access to critical supplies like food, water, medicine, and other basic necessities. My legislation helps do that by directing the Treasury to advance international efforts to equip nations with the support to extend humanitarian aid to Palestinians who may seek a safe haven for the time being.”

According to the United Nations, since Israel’s war against Hamas and search for hostages began following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, over 1.5 million Gazans, approximately 75% of the territory's population, have been displaced from their homes.  Some nations have expressed concerns about allowing in any displaced residents of Gaza, citing financial obligations as a challenge, among others.

The Armed Conflict Migration Act helps to alleviate this concern by enabling support from international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, IMF, and others, to nations that temporarily welcome people displaced from the conflict until resolved. This bill is one tool in a larger toolbox of policy that could be helpful to the Biden Administration that is looking for additional foreign policy options in a complicated region.

“We have an international responsibility to ensure innocent civilians have the protection and humanitarian relief necessary during this conflict—and the Armed Conflict Migration Act is a key piece to that end,” said Congressman Cleaver.

Official text of the Armed Conflict Migration Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.