Oxfam says EU must resume aid to Palestinian Authority
Palestine-Israel-UK, Politics, 9/14/2006

International agency Oxfam today called upon European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels tomorrow to immediately resume normal international aid to the Palestinian Authority in order to avert a looming humanitarian crisis.

"The Temporary International Mechanism developed by the European Union to provide direct assistance to the Palestinian people, following the suspension of aid to the Palestinian Authority, has failed to meet many basic needs," Oxfam says.

Over 90,000 government workers are excluded from the scheme. Oxfam estimates these workers support over half a million Palestinians. Ministries and local authorities are exhausted of funds, leaving over 1500 schools without budgets, rubbish overflowing in the streets, and hospitals are struggling to cope.

Adam Leach, Oxfam International spokesperson said: "A new Palestinian government provides an opportunity to move the peace process forward but it will not be effective without international aid. To continue withholding support will only exacerbate the suffering and create tensions which will weaken EU attempts to support a just and lasting peace."

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