"In kind" Medical Assistance to the Palestinians

"In kind" Medical Assistance to the Palestinians

Statement by Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
May 9, 2006

I am pleased to announce that the United States is providing $10 million in medicine and related supplies to the Palestinian people, who face a severe shortage in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. The delivery of the first $4 million of this assistance is already underway. Truckloads of emergency medical supplies for NGO-run clinics are scheduled to arrive in Gaza tomorrow, May 10. This assistance is part of our continuing commitment to meet the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.

The remaining $6 million will be used to provide emergency medicine and equipment delivered by UNICEF, and a USAID grantee, directly to those clinics or hospitals whether public or private with the most urgent needs.

The Hamas-run Palestinian Authority government bears sole responsibility for the hardships facing the Palestinian people and the international isolation that the PA is now experiencing due to its refusal to recognize Israel, renounce terrorism, and abide by previous agreements and obligations between the parties the three requirements set by the Quartet and endorsed by PA President Abbas.

Hamas' policies and actions should not deprive the Palestinian people of their legitimate humanitarian needs. We will continue to look for ways to assist the Palestinian people and we encourage other countries to join us in this effort. We will not, however, provide support to a Hamas-led government that refuses to accept the calls of the Quartet and the broader international community to renounce terror and become a partner for peace. 2006/475

Released on May 9, 2006

ENDS

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