EU aid

The EU announced today that it will provide the Palestinian Authority with an aid package of 120 million euros, or about $142 million. According to European External Relations Commissionier Benita Ferrero-Waldner, "In effect we will pay electricity bills for them, direct to the utilities concerned, including in Israel." Europe is arguing that without the funds, the PA will succumb to financial ruin, which could lead to more violence.

I believe that this is the proper decision. The money is not going directly to the PA's coffers, but rather to utility companies, including some in Israel. The fear is that foreign aid would prop up a terrorist government and even finance suicide bombings but this aid package appears to be directed towards other resources. While the international community should use its economic leverage to force Hamas to moderate, the denial of this aid package would not have been wise.