Sean Banville Hamas Finances - January 31, 2006 Lyrics

A rocky road ahead for Hamas

The European Union and United States have been quick to warn Palestine's new government about continuing its violence against Israel. If Hamas does not follow requests to accept the existence of Israel, it will receive no money from the EU or US. The EU is the Palestinian Authority's largest donor. It gives over $606 million a year to help pay for a Palestinian government. US President George W. Bush too said he would cut funding worth around $400 million. Both the EU and US classify Hamas as a terrorist group. They are hoping the threat of financial ruin will make Hamas change its ways.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called on countries around the world to follow the USA and EU in cutting aid to Hamas. Rice said that: "Hamas doesn't recognize Israel, encourages violence and refuses to be a responsible party to the peace process....We cannot have funding for an organization that holds those views just because it is in government." A bankrupt PA means it would not be able to pay its officials and police force. This would bring Palestine's government to its knees. It would also increase the danger of total anarchy. Ms. Rice hopes talks this week will avoid such a dangerous crisis.