THE U.N. RESCUES A SCAM THAT KEEPS ON SCAMMING
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-n-calls-for-more-aid-for-palestinian-refugees-after-u-s-cut-1516187323
U.N. Calls for More Aid for Palestinian Refugees After U.S. Cut White House reduced its funding for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East by about half. By Rory Jones
TEL AVIV—The United Nations on Wednesday called on countries to bolster funding to Palestinian refugees, warning of a collapse in health-care and education services, after the White House withheld about half its pledged financial aid to a key institution that supports the displaced people.
The U.S. move adds further pressure on Palestinian leaders, who have accused President Donald Trump of aligning with Israel and are now scrambling for a strategy to achieve statehood after recent diplomatic setbacks such as a White House policy change on Jerusalem.
The U.S. on Tuesday said it would give $60 million to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, or Unrwa, after previously agreeing to deliver $125 million in its first installment this year. The cut followed complaints by Mr. Trump that the U.S. pays Palestinians millions of dollars a year but receives no “respect” in return.
“At stake is the dignity and human security of millions of Palestine refugees, in need of emergency food assistance and other support,” Unrwa said in a statement launching a global fundraising campaign.
The U.S. is the largest donor to the Unrwa, contributing $368 million last year to a total international budget of $1.24 billion that supported Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Israeli-controlled West Bank and Gaza Strip, according to the U.S.
“Palestinian refugees and children’s access to basic humanitarian services [are] not a bargaining chip but a U.S. and international obligation,” the Palestine Liberation Organization, the body that negotiates with Israel in peace talks, said late Tuesday. CONTINUE AT SITE
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