Major powers agree on aid plan for Palestinians

Not a moment too soon

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - International Middle East mediating powers agreed on Saturday on an aid scheme for Palestinians that bypasses the Hamas-led government, which has defied demands to recognize Israel.The United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia said in a statement they endorsed an EU proposal for a temporary mechanism that includes aid for the health sector and utilities to meet the basic needs of the poorest Palestinians.The group, known as the Quartet, said it hoped international donors, including Israel, would join in the scheme.The EU and the United States suspended aid to the Palestinian Authority when the Islamic militant group Hamas refused to recognize Israel and failed to renounce violence, but they acknowledged last month an emergency plan was needed to prevent the Palestinian territories from sliding into chaos.

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