Source: Israel National News
Jan 23, 2007
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last week pressured Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert into giving US$100 million to Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
At the time Olmert quietened his critics, assuring them that Abbas would oversee the distribution of these funds, and that Hamas - which has been boycotted internationally until it recognizes Israel - would not be able to touch the money.
Now, however, PA Minister of Planning Samir Abu Aisha (Hamas) has stated that his organization will be fully involved in handing out the cash.
Doing so makes a mockery of Olmert's assurances and will help bolster Hamas popularity in its ongoing conflict with the Fatah faction of the PLO.
Some of the dollars are expected to fund ongoing terrorist activities against Israel.