TREASURY DEPT. BARS AMERICANS FROM DOING BUSINESS WITH HAMAS

Americans barred from Hamas deals (JTA)
The Treasury Department barred Americans from pursuing business deals with the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority. The Treasury ban issued Friday gave U.S. citizens and organizations 30 days to end dealings with the Palestinian Authority, after which period they could face sanctions or prosecution under anti-terrorism laws. The proscription also applies, in principle, to non-Americans who have interests in the United States. But the Treasury decision exempted the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations, all of which hold direct ties to the Palestinian Authority seen as vital to its financial survival.