Palestinians praise Iran's financial aid

The Hamas-led Palestinian government on Sunday welcomed an Iranian pledge to give Palestinians $50 million dollars to help prop up the cash-strapped government.

A spokesman for Palestinian Prime Minister Ismael Haniya described the pledged assistance as "indicative of Iran's sincere commitment to the Palestinian cause."

"The Palestinian government and prime minister deeply appreciate this gesture from our Iranian brothers. We hope that other Arab and Muslim countries will shoulder their religious, moral and humanitarian obligations toward their Palestinian brothers and sisters," said Ghani Hamd, a government spokesman in Gaza.

Hamd said the Iranian gesture would enhance Palestine's ability to withstand American, Israeli and western pressure aimed at corroding and overthrowing the Islamic government.

"I think Iran has demonstrated courage to defy and challenge American hegemony. I think Arab states ought to learn from Iran and stop being at America's beck and call," said Hamd.

Palestinians hope the pledged aid from Iran would make up for the estimated USD 50-60 million of Palestinian customs receipts Israel has frozen following Hamas' electoral victory on January 25.