Palestinian Official Derides Trump “Depravity and Collusion with Israeli Occupation”

Only three days after U.S. President Donald Trump shocked Israelis with a warning that it will pay a high price for his largesse and now it’s the Palestinians turn to receive such gestures; the president shocked the Palestinians with word he’s withholding more than $200 million in promised funding. The angry Palestinian response was typified by Palestinian Liberation Organization Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi who charged on Saturday that the actions of the U.S. administration amount to “cheap blackmail,” having already demonstrated its depravity in its collusion with the Israeli occupation, allowing Israel to steal land and resources.” Word had come on Friday that in the course of reviewing projects tagged for the West Bank and Gaza Strip the decision was made to cancel $200 million worth of projects and “redirect the funds elsewhere.” Some are calling the move “provocative” since it comes at the same time its being reported that the Trump Mideast peace team headed by First-Son-in-Law Jared Kushner is adding staff and making other preparations signaling the final stages prior to the launch of its long-awaited plan.