The EUobserver news site reported on Tuesday that France has pledged to donate 10 million euros to the Palestinian Authority following the Israeli decision to stop tax revenue transfers from reaching the Authority’s treasury.
The Israeli move came as a punishment for the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo last week. It also serves as a warning to Fatah in dealing with what Israel has long called a “terrorist” organization.
EUobserver mentioned that the French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero stressed the Palestinian Authority’s right to the funds and criticized Israel for trying to prevent money reaching the Palestinians.
France’s decision follows an EU joint decision to boost Palestinian aid with an additional 85 million Euros last week, a move Israel criticized as "incoherent."
The criticism followed Israeli calls on the EU to impose sanctions after the surprise Palestinian unity deal.
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