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James Wolfensohn (file photo)
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners March 6, 2006 |
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James Wolfensohn, international envoy to the Middle East, said Monday that Western aid to Palestinians must continue but could bypass a Hamas-led government unless it renounces violence and recognizes Israel.
Wolfensohn, who represents the so-called Quartet of Mideast peacemakers - the U.S., U.N., European Union and Russia - said cutting off aid to the Palestinians would lead to a humanitarian disaster.
Last month, the Quartet pledged continued aid to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' caretaker administration, but warned that further aid would be at risk if the militant group Hamas, which swept the Jan. 25 election, did not renounce violence and recognize Israel. Hamas is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S. and the EU.
"In the event there is no resolution ... any support that goes (to Palestinians) will have to find an alternative route," Wolfensohn told reporters during a visit to Stockholm. He did not specify the route, but his comment was in response to a question about whether nonprofit groups would be considered.
He said the Quartet would await the result of the Israeli election on March 28 and future policy decisions by Hamas before deciding how to handle continued aid to Palestinians.
"When we know what that is, the international community will have to adjust and try to find ways in which the Palestinian people can survive," he said. "We have to avert a humanitarian disaster."
Western donors funnel about US$900 million to the Palestinians each year, most of it designated for reconstruction projects in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip.
Sweden contributes 40 million kronor (US$5.1 million) to the Quick Impact Program launched by Wolfensohn to generate economic development in Gaza after Israel's withdrawal. It includes measures to create jobs, build up infrastructure and improve the environment.
AP contributed to this report.
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