Prefer Jewish News on Google
Palestinians turn down US funding over legal action fears
Following end of funding from US agency for aid, a new low point between the PA and Trump administration reached
The U.S. Agency for International Development has ceased all assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, a U.S. official said.
The end of funding by USAID, which was announced on Friday, marks a new low point in the Palestinian Authority’s deteriorating relationship with the Trump administration. It may also affect the Palestinian Authority’s ability to curb extremist activity.
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, Reuters reported.
In 2017, USAID transferred £204m ($268m) in aid to the Palestinians and another £45m ($60m) for Palestinian security forces.
Congress’ Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, or ATCA, empowers Americans to sue foreign aid recipients in U.S. courts over alleged complicity in “acts of war.”
The Palestinian Authority declined further U.S. funding over worries about its potential legal exposure. Israel has accused Palestinian Authority officials, including its president Mahmoud Abbas, of inciting hatred and of being responsible for terrorist attacks. The Palestinian Authority denies this.
“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.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority 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.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
