Half of Democratic Senators Urge Palestinian Aid Cut-Off

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Half the Democratic caucus in the U.S. Senate urged President Obama to suspend assistance to the Palestinian Authority unless Hamas recognizes Israel and renounces terrorism.

"It is imperative for you to make clear to President Abbas that Palestinian Authority participation in a unity government with an unreformed Hamas will jeopardize its relationship with the United States, including its receipt of U.S. aid," said the letter sent May 6 to Obama and signed by 27 Democratic senators.

Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority last week signed a reconciliation deal with Hamas.

The letter from the Democrats notes that U.S. law proscribes assistance to any government that includes Hamas, unless it and its ministers comply with principles laid down by the Quartet, the grouping that includes the United States, the Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. Those principles include recognizing Israel and renouncing terrorism.

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http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/05/08/3087598/half-of-senate-dems-urge-pa-cut-off

it's thoroughly stupid that we have to borrow to pay people off to do what we want them to do

Everyone should be cut off!

I know a loony Republican Senator ,whos views you are espousing.

'Rand Paul favors cutting US aid to Israel'

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2011/01/28/us_gop_senator_israel

Currently, the PA authority under Abbas has made good progress in the West Bank for infrastructure, increased growth and improved economic conditions in the West Bank.

I know - Hamas is bad - but would they rather the PA get funds from ____________?

Cutting off aid right now jepardizes all the positive improvements that Abbas has been able to manage. He isn't perfect by any stretch - but this throws Netanyahu's doctrine of improved economic conditions as a deterrent to terrorism out the window. It would harm Israel as well - that is what I am suggesting.