U.S. suspends millions to Palestinians

JTA Reports

The United States suspended $411 million in funds that were to go to the Palestinians, while increasing humanitarian aid.

Friday’s move, taken because of the terrorist group Hamas’ victory in recent Palestinian Authority elections, included $130 million in infrastructure assistance and $20 million in private enterprise development. The overall figure of $411 million includes $150 million budgeted for the Palestinians this year as well as money left over from appropriations in recent years.

Of the $411 million, $105 million will be transferred to what the United States defines as “basic humanitarian assistance,” including health, food and education. That brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance to $245 million, to be administered through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and other non-governmental organizations.