Months of violence have left the Palestinian economy in shambles. The international community should assist the Palestinian Authority to be in a better position to provide for its citizens and gain their support in achieving a just and equitable peace. The Bush Administration has so far not supported any punitive measures against the Palestinians. Secretary Powell and several influential members of Congress have refused to advocate cutting aid to the Palestinians as an effective course of action. All U.S. funds for the Palestinians go to specific projects rather than to the Palestinian Authority.
Every penny is regulated, completely transparent and accounted for under strict U.S. guidelines.
Even Israelis are opposed to eliminating U.S. economic aid to the Palestinians. During an April visit to Washington, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres reportedly told congressional leaders that the devastated Palestinian economy is not in Israel's best interest and that Congress should continue U.S. aid to the Palestinians.