A Palestinian stands up outside a tent.
Homeless in Gaza: Appalling living conditions have led former British prime minister Tony Blair to call on Israel to immediately lift its economic blockade. Photo: AP
Glenn Kessler, theage.com.au, 3 March 2009
Sharm El-sheikh, Egypt: THE US was last night expected to pledge $US300 million ($A470 million) in humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip after the 22-day Israeli offensive but will maintain restrictions to stop any of the money getting to Hamas.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who arrived in Egypt on Sunday to take part in a donors’ conference for the reconstruction of Gaza, was also expected to announce $US600 million in help to the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority is controlled by Hamas’ main rival, Fatah, which is ruling by emergency decree in the occupied West Bank.
The extra money not aimed at Gaza includes $US200 million to pay Palestinian Authority wages — much of which was previously announced — and $US400 million to support development in the West Bank. The full package awaits congressional approval.
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