Muslim World Takes Action to Help Palestinian People
February 21, 2006
zaman.com (Turkish)
The Muslim World is trying to overcome the potential problems expected to be caused by the economic sanctions imposed on Palestine by Israel and certain Western countries because of Hamas' rise to power. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) announced their plans to make institutional and financial donations to the Palestinian Authority.
OIC Term President, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said Monday that he met with various OIC leaders over the issue of sending aid to the Palestinians. "It is ironic that the United States first pushed for democracy and then started to look for excuses not to recognize the election results and to stop the flow of money to the new government led by Hamas," Badawi said. "This will only worsen the situation...Why do they resort to a policy that will result in no good?"
The demands of the Palestinian people must be recognized and they must be given a chance to live in peace, Badawi added. He believes Hamas will establish a government that can bear the responsibility. Badawi revealed that he wrote letters to Hamas leaders and asked them to take advantage of the situation, and to follow and remain loyal to the peace process. According to the Malaysian prime minister, a clash will happen only if Hamas is provoked. "You know how they will fight. There will be no end to this," Badawi said. However, he gave no details about the OIC's plan for aid.
Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers gathered in Algeria yesterday and discussed plans to send $50 million monthly to the Palestinian Administration. Iran's spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, meeting Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal in Tehran yesterday, called on all Muslims to make financial donations for the Palestinians, while Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood announced the launch of a worldwide relief drive for the Hamas administration.
Ismail Haniya, the official prime minister announced by Hamas on Sunday, in a statement to the BBC, dismissed the possible effects of economic sanctions on the Palestinian administration by Israel and said Palestinians have other alternatives. If Western countries cut their aid, Haniya said, Arab and Muslim countries will provide funds: "There are Arab and Muslim countries and other members of the international community ready to help the Palestinian people."
He repeated they will not lay down arms and recognize Israel. Haniya said he is deeply saddened by Israel terming Hamas a "terrorist organization" and about the restriction of foreign donations. "The West always uses its financial aid as a way to pressure the Palestinian people," he expressed.