USAID assistance in the West Bank and Gaza has ceased - U.S. official

[rooster59]

USAID assistance in the West Bank and Gaza has ceased - U.S. official

By Stephen Farrell and Maayan Lubell

 

A Palestinian walks past a ceramic sign of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project in Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank January 31, 2019. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma

 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has ceased all assistance to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, a U.S. official said on Friday.

 

The halt was requested by the Palestinian Authority but is certain to bring further hardship to people in the already deprived territories.

 

The deadline also sees the end of about $60 million in U.S. aid for the Palestinian security forces, whose cooperation with Israeli forces helps maintain relative quiet in the West Bank. [USKCN1PO14]

 

The decision was linked to a Jan. 31 deadline set by new U.S. legislation under which foreign aid recipients would be more exposed to anti-terrorism lawsuits.

 

The Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act (ATCA) empowers Americans to sue foreign aid recipients in U.S. courts over alleged complicity in "acts of war".

 

President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, said the aid was cut at the request of the Palestinian Authority.

 

"This aid was cut (not just suspended) at the PA’s request because they didn’t want to be subject to US courts which would require them to pay US citizens killed by Palestinian terrorists when the PA was found guilty," he said in a tweet.

 

The Palestinian Authority declined further U.S. funding over worries about its potential legal exposure, although it denies Israeli accusations that it encourages militant attacks.

 

"At the request of the Palestinian Authority, we have wound down certain projects and programs funded with assistance under the authorities specified in ATCA in the West Bank and Gaza, a U.S. official told Reuters on Friday.

 

"All USAID assistance in the West Bank and Gaza has ceased."

 

It was unclear how long the cessation would last. The official said no steps were currently being taken to close the USAID mission in the Palestinian territories, and no decision had been made about future staffing at the USAID mission in the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.

 

USAID is the main agency administering U.S. foreign assistance in the Palestinian territories. According to its website, the agency spent $268 million on public projects in the West Bank and Gaza as well as Palestinian private sector debt repayment in 2017, but there were significant cuts to all new funding through the end of June 2018.

 

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said: "The suspension of aid to our people, which included critical sectors such as health and education, will have a negative impact on all, create a negative atmosphere, and increase instability."

 

Greenblatt called Rudeineh's statement disingenuous.

 

"Palestinians are too smart to continue to live as victims and recipients of foreign aid. Until a political solution is found (maybe it will be our peace plan?), the PA must focus on helping Palestinians lead better lives," he tweeted.

 

The Palestinian Authority is an interim self-government body set up following the 1993 Oslo peace accords. The peace process, aimed at finding a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has been stalled since 2014.

 

In the Hamas-ruled enclave of Gaza, Hamas spokesman Ismail Rudwan condemned the cuts, deploring what he called "politicised money".

 

HUMANITARIAN CUTS

 

The announcement comes after humanitarian officials in the West Bank and Gaza said they were already facing a cutback from donors worldwide.

 

Last year Washington cut hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to the Palestinians, which included funding to humanitarian groups supported by USAID.

 

The U.S. cuts were widely seen as a means of pressuring the Palestinian leadership to resume the peace talks with Israel and to engage with the Trump administration ahead of its long-awaited Middle East peace plan.

 

As a result, dozens of NGO employees have been laid off, programmes shut down, and infrastructure projects halted.

 

In Gaza, Mohammad Ashour said he once earned $600 a month providing psychological support to people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.

 

The project was run by the Palestinian Center for Democracy and Conflict Resolution. But, said Ashour, he lost his job last summer because the program was funded with the help of USAID money.

 

"I have no clue how am I going to pursue my life," said Ashour, from Bureij refugee camp.

 

"I have no job and I am in debt, maybe tomorrow the police will come and take me to jail. An educated man ends in jail, I am wrecked."

 

In August, Washington announced an end to all U.S. funding for the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees. The agency received $364 million from the United States in 2017.

 

In January the World Food Programme cut food aid to about 190,000 Palestinians due to a shortage of funds.

 

Diplomatic sources said Palestinian, U.S. and Israeli officials were trying to find ways to keep the money flowing to Abbas's security forces.

 

"We will find a solution to these things. I won't get into details," Israeli security cabinet minister Yuval Steinitz told Israel Radio on Thursday.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-02-02

 

[TopDeadSenter]

Finally! Great news. There is no reason on earth to give free money to those that hate everything about us. Trump achieves what others failed, again and again.

[Cryingdick]

Sounds reasonable to me.

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, Cryingdick said:

Sounds reasonable to me.

Anything causing hardship to others usually does.

[jobsworth]

It is not that simple. Palestinian people like all people everywhere just want to continue enjoying their lives. Yes Hamas hates the USA 'cos it supports Israel. So how can you have a go at Hamas except by hurting Palestinian people.? This problem exists everywhere. The people are not the same as the leaders of their country.

[Morch]

One consequence of the bill is that US Aid to various Palestinian security forces (as in those under the PA's control) would end. This could spell negative outcomes with regards to the PA's capability to maintain control in the West Bank, or indeed, even a breakdown of its ongoing security coordination and cooperation with Israel.

 

While the Trump administration supported the legislation, it also asked the bill to be amended so as to allow support for the Palestinian security forces.

 

It's an open question how this legislation may effect US relations with multiple nations (regionally and otherwise). Not, perhaps, the most careful bit of law-making out there.

 

In a twist, Trump fights to keep some Palestinian aid alive

http://In a twist, Trump fights to keep some Palestinian aid alive

 

Congress in no hurry to act as Palestinians reject security aid

https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/01/congress-palestinians-reject-security-aid.html
 

[Morch]

9 minutes ago, jobsworth said:

It is not that simple. Palestinian people like all people everywhere just want to continue enjoying their lives. Yes Hamas hates the USA 'cos it supports Israel. So how can you have a go at Hamas except by hurting Palestinian people.? This problem exists everywhere. The people are not the same as the leaders of their country.

 

This legislation actually works in favor of Hamas on the Palestinian arena. It both undermines the PA's ability to counter the Hamas, while providing support for the latter's narrative.

[Cryingdick]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Anything causing hardship to others usually does.

 

The Palestinians didn't want the aid. Presumably because of ATCA. If we give aid we could certainly easily identify  worthier recipients. 

Edited February 2, 2019 by Cryingdick

[Morch]

Just now, Cryingdick said:

 

The Palestinians didn't want the aid. Presumably because of ATCA. If we give aid we could probably easily locate more worthy recipients. 

 

The Trump administration wished the legislation revised so as to allow Aid to the PA. As for "more worthy recipients" - Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, just to name a couple of examples, could raise some issues with your position.

[Cryingdick]

3 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

The Trump administration wished the legislation revised so as to allow Aid to the PA. As for "more worthy recipients" - Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, just to name a couple of examples, could raise some issues with your position.

I never said there weren't less desirable recipients. Such is life. You have a point they should also be rejected.

 

 

Edited February 2, 2019 by Cryingdick

[Morch]

Just now, Cryingdick said:

I never said there weren't less desirable recipients. Such is life. You have a point they should also be rejected.

 

 

 

I havn't made any such point.

The Trump administration position was, apparently, that the PA's case ought to be sorta exempt, though.

[neeray]

Trump has probably already buttonholed the $60 million for his Mexican wall effort.

 

[bristolboy]

29 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

I never said there weren't less desirable recipients. Such is life. You have a point they should also be rejected.

 

 

Please share with us the names of these alleged worthier recipients.

[Cryingdick]

6 minutes ago, bristolboy said:

Please share with us the names of these alleged worthier recipients.

American citizens

[bristolboy]

11 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

American citizens

Oh, really? Are you the same party who wrote what is below?

54 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

The Palestinians didn't want the aid. Presumably because of ATCA. If we give aid we could certainly easily identify  worthier recipients. 

 

[Bluespunk]

17 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Finally! Great news. There is no reason on earth to give free money to those that hate everything about us. Trump achieves what others failed, again and again.

The Palestinian authorities asked the US to cease funding.  

[sanemax]

14 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

The Palestinian authorities asked the US to cease funding.  

"Palestinians have condemned the US decision to halt funding to a UN agency that helps educate, feed and provide healthcare for more than 5 million Palestinian refugees across several countries as a “flagrant assault” on their rights."

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/01/palestinian-anger-over-us-decision-to-end-funding-for-un-agency

[Bluespunk]

27 minutes ago, sanemax said:

"Palestinians have condemned the US decision to halt funding to a UN agency that helps educate, feed and provide healthcare for more than 5 million Palestinian refugees across several countries as a “flagrant assault” on their rights."

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/01/palestinian-anger-over-us-decision-to-end-funding-for-un-agency

US stops all aid to Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-47095082

 

At a news conference on Thursday, senior official Saeb Erekat said the Palestinian Authority (PA) had sent a letter to the US state department asking them to end funding because of a fear of lawsuits.

 

And even better-from the OP 

 

“This aid was cut (not just suspended) at the PA’s request because they didn’t want to be subject to US courts which would require them to pay US citizens killed by Palestinian terrorists when the PA was found guilty," he said in a tweet.

 

The Palestinian Authority declined further U.S. funding over worries about its potential legal exposure, although it denies Israeli accusations that it encourages militant attacks.

 

"At the request of the Palestinian Authority, we have wound down certain projects and programs funded withassistance under the authorities specified in ATCA in the West Bank and Gaza, a U.S. official told Reuters on Friday.

 

"All USAID assistance in the West Bank and Gaza has ceased."

 

????????????

Edited February 2, 2019 by Bluespunk

[geriatrickid]

15 hours ago, jobsworth said:

It is not that simple. Palestinian people like all people everywhere just want to continue enjoying their lives. Yes Hamas hates the USA 'cos it supports Israel. So how can you have a go at Hamas except by hurting Palestinian people.? This problem exists everywhere. The people are not the same as the leaders of their country.

Unfortunately, to a large extent they are. 

It fits western sensibilities to try and extend compassion to people, but sadly, for the most part the Gaza population are  violent, nasty and selfish. They are a product of multiple generations raised under propaganda and religious brainwashing that teaches that non muslims are  worse than dogs and swine, that violence is acceptable and that they  are entitled to demand handouts. As long as we enable people to sit on their posteriors and to avoid taking tough decisions, it furthers the cycle of dependency and social dysfunction. 

 

The most pressing issue in Gaza right now is general health. There is little if any actual physical exercise. Morbid obesity and along with it  diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease are epidemic. There is something seriously wrong with the west that dumps high fat/carb/sugar products and a local government that reaps diabolical profits from the pervasive supply of cheap tobacco. It always astounds me that westerners  are full of support for a place where there are no LGBT rights, where there is no habeas corpus, where corruption is rampant where women are deemed to be chattel and not allowed to engage in even basic sports where skin may be exposed or allowed to go to the beach in non modest attire, and where child and domestic abuse is acceptable

 

[IAMHERE]

23 hours ago, neeray said:

Trump has probably already buttonholed the $60 million for his Mexican wall effort.

 

Earlier there was $360 million that had been stopped. That kinda money plus the $60 million adds up quick. The USA had been giving that type money since the Oslo agreement; all the money given since then would be enough to build the wall, maybe two walls. Even so, a wall would do the average American more good than feeding people that hate you and seek your death. They were dancing in the streets when 9/11 happened.

[Morch]

9 hours ago, sanemax said:

"Palestinians have condemned the US decision to halt funding to a UN agency that helps educate, feed and provide healthcare for more than 5 million Palestinian refugees across several countries as a “flagrant assault” on their rights."

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/01/palestinian-anger-over-us-decision-to-end-funding-for-un-agency

 

Two different instances.

What the Palestinians protested, as per your example, was the Trump administration cuts to UNRWA. The OP is about direct aid afforded by the US, and consequences of the new legislation involved.

[simple1]

5 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

Two different instances.

What the Palestinians protested, as per your example, was the Trump administration cuts to UNRWA. The OP is about direct aid afforded by the US, and consequences of the new legislation involved.

I assume the PA made its decision as US Courts levy enormous penalties, the cost of litigation in the US, perception of bias. In your opinion is the Act enabling legislation in the US is just a political ploy to further disenfranchise aid recipients?

[Morch]

37 minutes ago, simple1 said:

I assume the PA made its decision as US Courts levy enormous penalties, the cost of litigation in the US, perception of bias. In your opinion is the Act enabling legislation in the US is just a political ploy to further disenfranchise aid recipients?

 

As said earlier, not the most well-thought-out piece of legislation. Regardless of motivations or political interests, even if the either/or proposition above is accepted. That even the Trump administration figured (at least some) of the consequences and implications, is rather telling.

[Morch]

9 hours ago, geriatrickid said:

Unfortunately, to a large extent they are. 

It fits western sensibilities to try and extend compassion to people, but sadly, for the most part the Gaza population are  violent, nasty and selfish. They are a product of multiple generations raised under propaganda and religious brainwashing that teaches that non muslims are  worse than dogs and swine, that violence is acceptable and that they  are entitled to demand handouts. As long as we enable people to sit on their posteriors and to avoid taking tough decisions, it furthers the cycle of dependency and social dysfunction. 

 

The most pressing issue in Gaza right now is general health. There is little if any actual physical exercise. Morbid obesity and along with it  diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease are epidemic. There is something seriously wrong with the west that dumps high fat/carb/sugar products and a local government that reaps diabolical profits from the pervasive supply of cheap tobacco. It always astounds me that westerners  are full of support for a place where there are no LGBT rights, where there is no habeas corpus, where corruption is rampant where women are deemed to be chattel and not allowed to engage in even basic sports where skin may be exposed or allowed to go to the beach in non modest attire, and where child and domestic abuse is acceptable

 

 

I doubt you can demonstrate or support your wide brush claims. The Gaza Strip, prior to Hamas takeover wasn't really all that hardcore with regard to militant Islamic notions. In many ways, Gaza was (relatively) more progressive than other Palestinian areas/communities. It's a pity you indulge in them generalizations, as some of your points do have merit.

 

That said, the cut discussed in the OP is more relevant to the West Bank, rather than the Gaza Strip.