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Palestinian aid critics wary of Trump cuts

The Donald Trump administration’s sweeping cuts are sparking concern even among Israel advocates.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting at United Nations (U.N.) headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., August 23, 2018.  REUTERS/Lucas Jackson - RC177F80FC00

After slashing economic and humanitarian aid to Palestine, the Donald Trump administration is now reportedly considering narrowing the definition of who qualifies as a Palestinian refugee. The US hard line is sparking worries of a backlash even among some of Israel’s staunchest supporters.

Foreign Policy reported today that Trump has decided to end $350 million in annual funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA. The report comes after the State Department anonymously announced Friday that the United States “will redirect more than $200 million” in economic aid away from the West Bank and Hamas-controlled Gaza following a monthslong review of Palestinian aid.

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