Don't cut aid to Palestinians because of Hamas, say speakers

Published: 2006-02-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Opposition to a Hamas-controlled Palestinian government should not involve cutting off needed aid to the Palestinian people, said several Catholic officials during a panel discussion at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington. The speakers expressed concern that $150 million in foreign aid for Palestine in the 2007 federal budget could be cut or eliminated as a result of U.S. government opposition to Hamas because of its use of terrorism and its opposition to the existence of Israel. "We are concerned that the Palestinian people will be totally abandoned," said Gerald Flood, a counselor for the U.S. bishops' Office of International Justice and Peace. William O'Keefe, senior director for advocacy for Catholic Relief Services, said that Palestinians need humanitarian aid regardless of who is leading the government. LaVita LeGrys, associate director of the U.S. bishops' Office of Government Liaison, said the recent Hamas victory has stirred moves in Congress to restrict Palestinian aid. They spoke at a Feb. 13 panel on foreign aid.

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