U.N. OBJECTS TO ISRAEL'S REFUSAL TO CUT ITS OWN THROAT

U.N.: Transfer funds to PA 

U.N. objects to Israeli moves: Israel's decision to curb fund transfers to the Palestinians in the wake of the swearing-in of a Hamas-led parliament has been slammed by the United Nations, with U.N. Envoy Alvaro de Soto charging the move contradicts a Quartet decision on the matter. De Soto expressed the U.N.'s objection to Israel's punitive measures during a meeting Sunday evening with government coordinator in the territories, Major General Yosef Mishlav.

Mishlev met with representatives of international organizations at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv in order to explain to them Israel's policy vis-a-vis the Palestinian Authority. He noted that until a Hamas-led government is formed, Israel does not intend to curb fund transfers from international groups to the PA. However, once a Hamas-led government is formed, Israel would not be assisting in any fund transfer but will maintain humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Last week, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz appointed Mishlav to head a team that would recommend sanctions and limitations to be placed on the PA.