Biden Administration Waives Conditions on $225 Million of Egypt’s Military Aid Amid Human Rights Concerns

The Biden administration has decided to grant Egypt its full military aid allocation of $1.3 billion, overlooking some conditions related to human rights concerns. This move is largely attributed to Egypt’s pivotal role in mediating the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which is critical for maintaining regional stability and addressing U.S. national security priorities.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has waived conditions on $225 million of this aid, citing Egypt’s contributions to cease-fire negotiations and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He also acknowledged that Egypt has made some progress, including the release of political prisoners and improvements in the treatment of Americans, which justifies part of the assistance.

However, the decision has not been without controversy. The State Department continues to stress the importance of ongoing dialogue with Egypt about human rights improvements. Despite some advancements, such as the release of over 950 political prisoners since September 2023, there remain significant concerns about the overall human rights situation under President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s administration.

Criticism has been voiced by Democratic Senators Chris Coons and Chris Murphy, who argue that Egypt’s human rights record remains inadequate. They claim that for every political prisoner released, more have been imprisoned, suggesting that progress is inconsistent and insufficient.

In response to the aid decision, the State Department has emphasized that it is actively pressing Egyptian officials for further reforms. President el-Sissi maintains that his policies are necessary for combating terrorism, despite ongoing allegations of widespread human rights abuses and a repressive political climate.