JERUSALEM - The US government has barred Americans from doing most business with the new Hamas-led Palestinian government, officials said Friday, stepping up US financial pressure on the Islamic militant group. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, the US Treasury Department said transactions with the Palestinian Authority by US persons are prohibited, unless licensed.” It said the decision was based on existing terrorism sanctions.”Palestinian officials condemned the American decision.
| "Hey! Youse can't do that! We need the dough!" |
Under the restrictions, Americans doing business with the Palestinian government have 30 days to end their dealings, according to the Treasury Department. It said business with the Palestinian government will be permitted to continue in six areas, primarily humanitarian aid such as providing medicine and work for international organizations like the United Nations. In the interest of supporting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, Treasury will allow certain limited transactions by US persons and organizations with the Palestinian Authority,” it said.
It also said business can continue with government departments controlled by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a
Alaa Araj, the Palestinian economy minister, said the decision was part of the American mobilization of all its allies and individuals in the region to boycott this government.” He said it appears the US administration and its allies have "nothing better to do than to put obstacles in our way.”
But he said the step would not be economically significant, saying the state of the business sector in the West Bank and Gaza is poor.
| Since there's no business, and no infrastructure, and no money to be made except in kidnapping and extortion. |