Posted on 02/26/2006 4:00:11 AM PST by Hannah Senesh
Israel concerned about American pledge to continue offering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians while circumventing Hamas; officials warn funds transferred directly to PA leader Abbas could reach Hamas
American aid could end up reaching Hamas despite American efforts to circumvent the terror group, Israeli officials say in the wake of a U.S. pledge to continue offering humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
Officials are expected to warn the U.S. that funds transferred directly to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas could nonetheless reach Hamas, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Sunday.
The warning follows reports that State Department official David Welch promised the Palestinians Washington would not freeze aid to the Palestinians, but rather, merely redirect it.
At this time both the Americans and Europeans are interested in boosting Abbas' position at the expense of Hamas, fearing the PA chairman could resign from his post otherwise, a move that would lead to the PA's collapse and a Hamas takeover of all government institutions.
However, Israeli officials are not satisfied with the American attitude. On Sunday, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz are scheduled to meet with Welch and ask for clarifications regarding the American pledge to continue directing funds to the PA.
The three senior officials will voice their concerns over the possibility of American funds being used to pay Hamas salaries or boost the group's military power.
Israel will also ask that the U.S. coordinate with it humanitarian aid to the Palestinians via international organizations so that every dollar transferred reaches its target.
Officials also intend to make it clear to the Americans they expect Washington to reject the possibility of a two-headed Palestinian Authority, that is, an Abbas-led regime that grants the Palestinians international legitimacy coexisting with a terrorist Hamas-led government that rejects basic preconditions set by the international community, namely the cessation of terror and recognition of Israel.
Of course the money will fund terror. What did they think it was for - humanitarian aid?
What happened to your either with us or against us. I had much higher hopes for Condi when she replaced Powell
Walk softly and carry a limp stick.
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Oh no - another wuss from the State Department.
If we do end up sending "redirected" money to the PA, I can't even figure out who we are trying to appease any more. It's lost on me.
The State Department idea that aid to Hamas can be "redirected" is absurd. The Clinton administration tried to "crack-down" on Islamic charities supporting Hamas and backed-off for fear of being labeled bigoted. The charities supported by Yassir Arafat were corrupted; the charities dominated by Shaykh Yassin were under Hamas control and did as they were ordered. In sum, if you want to throw money into the snake pit don't complain when your bitten.
Why don't we just skip the middlemen and send explosives, launchers and suicide vests directly to the palis? It would save them a lot of money in purchasing from iran. What the heck is WRONG with our policymakers?
"Aid" money NEVER reaches the needy. Why does EVERYONE except those in charge understand this?
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