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U.S. Hopes Aid Cuts Will Pressure Palestinians to Accept Peace Plan
(Foreign Policy) Colum Lynch - The White House is seeking to withhold up to $200 million in direct aid for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank in addition to funding reductions for UNRWA, according to three diplomatic sources. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top Middle East advisor Jared Kushner decided on the cuts in a high-level meeting last week. Congress had already appropriated $230 million in economic support funds, but the officials decided they would ask lawmakers to withhold most of the funds. Sources said the administration intends to continue funding a network of six hospitals in east Jerusalem. According to sources, Kushner maintained that ending the aid could strengthen his negotiating hand when he introduces his long-awaited Middle East peace plan.