U.S. BLOCKS AID TO HAMAS, BACKS FATAH

Bush OKs Law Blocking Aid to Hamas Government
President Bush signed into law a bill meant to block U.S. aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government and ban contacts with Hamas until the militant faction has renounced violence and recognized Israel's existence. It also creates a $20 million fund to promote democracy, human rights, freedom of the press, and peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), sponsor of the Senate bill with Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), said the legislation makes clear the PA can expect no U.S. help so long as it continues to be led by Hamas. Despite the ban on official aid, the U.S. has provided $468 million in humanitarian aid in ways that bypass the Hamas government. (AP/San Francisco Chronicle)

See also America to Increase Arms, Training for Fatah - Eli Lake
To counter Iran's arming of Hamas, America will step up its training and arming of Mahmoud Abbas' security services, American Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones said Wednesday. (New York Sun)