Cabinet OKs transfer of NIS 50 million to PA

[Behind the Aegis]

Money to be delivered in form of food, medications; PM Olmert: Where ties can save lives, we will do it in way that won't be interpreted as recognition of Hamas government
Attila Somfalvi

Israel will transfer an aid package of medications and equipment worth NIS 50 million (about USD 11 million) to the Palestinian Authority, it was decided at the start of the cabinet meeting Sunday morning.

The move was recommended by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz. "It is clear to the entire world that we really care for the Palestinian population," Olmert said.

Olmert explained that the aid will not be transferred in cash, as the Israeli government continues to refuse to a dialogue with the Hamas-led
government.

"As a rule, we have no contact with Hamas, since it is a terror government. There are no ties between the public and ministerial ranks and there won't be any. There are points of friction due to the complex reality. In a place where contact can save lives, we will do it in a way that will not be interpreted as recognition of the Hamas government," the prime minister said.

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