Congress to Obama: Cut aid to Palestinians
The State Department announced it will not cut assistance to the Palestinian Authority despite the unity government with Hamas.
The Obama administration said Monday that it wouldn't cut off funds to the Palestinian Authority (PA) despite its unity government with Hamas, setting up a bruising battle with Congress.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters that the administration believes the PA has "every desire and intent" to abide by its commitment to recognize Israel and forswear violence. She promised "close consultation" with Congress but made it clear that the administration intends to continue disbursing the $440 million in aid to the West Bank and Gaza requested in President Obama's 2014 budget.
"We continue to believe that our assistance to the PA and the Palestinian people are important," said Psaki, referring to the new Palestinian leadership agreement as an "interim technocratic government that does not include ministers affiliated with Hamas."
Lawmakers said the administration was being hoodwinked.
