BICOM

The US will make available $40 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority after the US Congress authorised release of the funds, according to a report by AP. This sum represents 20% of the remaining aid pledged by the US to the Palestinians for 2011, which was frozen following attempts by the Palestinians to seek recognition unilaterally at the UN. Both the US administration and the Israeli security establishment have been calling for a resumption of aid transfers, particularly for the Palestinian Security Forces, which are vital for maintaining order in the West Bank.

An appropriations bill passed by Congress last week authorised a new round of aid for the Palestinians for 2012 but does not specify the amount. It also says if the Palestinians gain membership of UN bodies, that funding would be suspended and the offices of the PLO in Washington would be shut for at least 90 days. President Obama signed the Bill, though he retains the right waive the suspension of aid.

Tensions between the Palestinians and the US are likely to grow as the Quartet deadline for Israelis and Palestinians to submit final status proposal on borders and security by January 26 grows nearer. Israel has said it will only present its positions in direct negotiations with the Palestinians. The Palestinians refuse to enter direct talks without an Israeli settlement freeze. The Palestinians recently raised the possibility of dropping the demand for a settlement freeze and accepting instead the release of more than 100 Palestinian security prisoners convicted of terror offences before the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. Israel however is unwilling to accept any preconditions. After 26 January, PA President Mahmoud Abbas looks likely to resume Palestinian efforts to gain recognition at the UN, and to advance the unity agreement with Hamas.