Not only does the U.S. not want to cut off aid to a Palestinian Authority led by what is still listed by the State Department as a terrorist organization. It wants to increase that aid — in exchange for what could only be transparently hollow assurances. “Rice: U.S. Wants to Give Palestinians Aid,” from AP, with thanks to all who sent this in:
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – The United States hopes to find a way to increase humanitarian donations to the Palestinians following Hamas’ election victory, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday….
Rice said she will ask Indonesia, a moderate Muslim nation, to help press the message that the Palestinians must remain committed to peace with Israel even though Hamas refuses to accept the Jewish state’s right to exist.
“We are looking at ways to even increase our humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people during this period of time,” Rice said.
Rice was not specific. But her comments suggested that the United States intends to replace money it once gave directly to the current moderate and secular Palestinian government with grants for charity work or other projects that are independent of the new government.
U.S. officials have nearly finished an extensive review of aid to the Palestinians that was intended to ensure that future aid does not flow to Hamas.
Hamas, which refuses to renounce violence and has claimed responsibility for dozens of suicide bombings against Israel, is listed as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.