Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo

PALESTINE

Wed 19 Feb 2025 5:23 pm - Jerusalem Time

Washington Post: Trump administration halts all security aid to PA

The Trump administration has halted all financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority's security forces as part of a broader freeze on foreign aid, according to U.S. and Palestinian officials.


The freeze decision and its impact on the Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian security forces, which suffer from chronic underfunding, are considered a key element in maintaining security and order in areas controlled by the Authority.


Washington had suspended direct aid to the Palestinian Authority during Trump's first term, but continued to fund training and reform programs for security forces.


These programs are implemented through the Office of the US Security Coordinator in Jerusalem, a coalition of several countries.


Reactions to freezing

Major General Anwar Rajab, spokesman for the Palestinian security forces, told The Washington Post that the United States was a “major donor” to training and rehabilitation programs for the Palestinian security forces.


In contrast, a former Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the freeze had not significantly affected the US Security Coordinator's office, noting that other donors had pledged to cover the financial shortfall.


Direct impact on training programs

However, a Palestinian colonel who oversees training at the Central Institute for Security Forces confirmed that the freeze had led to the reduction of some training programs, noting that a meeting scheduled with the American side to review “counter-insurgency” operations in the Jenin camp had been postponed and no new date had been set.


The colonel added that Washington was funding a project to create a virtual shooting range, which was necessary because of Israel's refusal to allow the import of live ammunition.


Although the project was nearing completion, the authority is now looking for alternative donors due to the suspension of US funding.



Tags

Share your opinion

Washington Post: Trump administration halts all security aid to PA

MORE FROM PALESTINE