Barack Obama used last hours in office to send $221m to the Palestinian Authority
Defies wishes of Republicans in Congress
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of the Barack Obama administration's final acts was to release $221m of funding to the Palestinian Authority.
Republican members of Congress had tried to block the allocation after the group sought membership of international organisations.
The funds are to be used for humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza, and other projects around governance and political reform.
Though holds placed by members of Congress are generally respected by the executive branch, they are not legally binding, and State Department officials said they would release the money just hours before Donald Trump's inauguration on 20 January, Yahoo reported.
Further money was also released for climate change programmes and to various UN agencies—$4m and $1.25m respectively.
The UN money will go to projects for tackling sexual exploitation, ozone protection and peacebuilding.
The news came as it was announced Mr Trump's administration was in the "beginning stages" of discussing a plan to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Mr Trump by telephone on Sunday evening, but the White House statement released after the call made no mention of the embassy.
The Palestinians have said that an embassy move would kill any prospect for peace.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments