Statement on Palestinian Assistance

[special briefing; fact sheet]

The United States remains committed to President Bush’s vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is also our desire to help provide for the basic human needs of the Palestinian people.

Consistent with these principles, the United States will increase its humanitarian aid to help Palestinians in need. Basic humanitarian assistance – including health, food, and education – will increase by 57 percent, for a total of $245 million. The United States will also provide $42 million to strengthen civil society and independent institutions. Assistance will be administered through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and non-Palestinian Authority actors, including local and international NGOs.

Because the new Hamas-led Palestinian government has failed to accept the Quartet principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and respect for previous agreements between the parties, the United States is suspending assistance to the Palestinian government’s cabinet and ministries.

The new Palestinian government must take responsibility for the consequences of its policies. The path back to the Roadmap is clear – acceptance of the three principles. If it accepts the Quartet principles, or a new government comes to power that accepts them, funding can be restored.

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