LEADING up to his resignation as special envoy of the Middle East Quartet (the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations), James Wolfensohn objected to the cutting humanitarian aid for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), which is equivalent to starving that Arab people to death.

With elemental common sense, and probably recalling his former position in finance, the official described the measures taken by Washington and followed unhesitatingly by the European Union (although it claims to be against economic sanctions) as absurd. And after spending more than $1 billion a year in aid, above all to create government institutions and economic foundations without which it is impossible to create "a viable Palestinian state it is an imprudent step," Wolfensohn states.

The new Israeli Prime Minister Ehmud Olmert, immersed in creating a cabinet from the divided political class, set a bad example when he withdrew the $55 million monthly taxation payment to the PNA. However, that move is small change in comparison with the U.S/European boycott and subsequent punitive measures that could prevent nations of the region from coming to the aid of the Palestinians.

In early May, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh announced that the Hamas cabinet had gained the disposition of Arab countries and the Muslim population to provide financial aid, but that attempts to prevent Palestinians from receiving that help are intense. That demonstrates that the United States is cutting funds to pressure the PNA government to make concessions, he stated.

In effect, the Arab League raised $70 million for the Palestinians, but was unable to deliver it due to hesitation on the part of banks, which are afraid to transfer funds to Hamas government accounts because of possible U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. government, expert at this type of evil intrigue, wants the economic strangulation to produce reactions against Hamas, so that its government fails. As a pretext it is using Hamas’ refusal to recognize Israel as legitimate.

However, officials of the Islamic Resistance Movement are continuing reiterate their disposition to sit down at the negotiating table with Tel Aviv, "if that can bring a just peace for the Palestinians;" in other words, if the Israeli government proceeds with seriousness and leaves aside its subterfuge permitted and never criticized by the West. That is something that PNA President Mahmud Abbas agrees on, while also affirming that "there will be no concessions to Israel if it is a matter that affects Palestinian principles."

Meanwhile, the lack of income is affecting thousands of teachers, students, police and various public employees, breaking the economic chain of survival. Witnesses say that in the Nuseirat refugee camp, with a population of more than 80,000, storekeepers are wondering whether or not their customers who are unable to pay will continue to receive their basic necessities, while they themselves are not able to pay their providers.