Iran will fund the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority. The European Union and United States have transferred hundreds of millions of dollars in funds as well, ahead of Hamas officially taking office.
Iran has promised $250 million to the Hamas terror group, to combat any sanctions placed upon the Palestinian Authority since the Islamic group swept the PA elections in January.
“The Iranian leadership announced that it will support the new Palestinian government and people,” Hamas chief Khaled Mesha’al told a British Arabic newspaper. “This was the viewpoint heard during my visit to Tehran, in response to the American threats and pressures. Other Arab and Islamic countries have committed to supporting the new government [as well].”
The terror group has also expressed satisfaction with the European Union’s decision to transfer some $143 million to various bodies operating in the PA before Hamas officially forms its government. Israel already stopped transferring taxes and customs duties to the Authority since the Hamas-led government was sworn in on Feb. 18.
Hamas said the EU’s decision represented Europe’s “coming to terms with the PA election results,” after less than a month of equivocation.
Philippe Douste-Blazy, France’s foreign minister said that the funds were being transferred in order to prevent “economic chaos” in the PA. EU officials claim the aid package comprises $48 million to pay for the PA’s energy and other utility bills, $76 million for health and education projects and $21 million to help the authority pay its employees, including the 73,000 members of several armed factions.
“Europe understands that it would not be wise to discontinue the aid,” said Hamas official Khalil Abu Laila, in a veiled threat toward the reluctant benefactor. He added that he was very pleased that Europe so quickly back-pedalled on its original stance demanding Hamas disavow terrorism and accept Israel. “Hamas [did not have] to make any concessions or yield to pressures,” he said. “[Though] Hamas will continue to uphold its principles even if the aid will be stopped.”
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