USAID blocked by Hamas

World News - United States aid agency, USAID, has suspended humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip because of what the alleged intervention of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, a U.S. official said on Friday (12/08/2011). "We deeply regret that these organizations-USAID-funded partners in Gaza have been forced by the actions of Hamas to suspend their relief work," the official said on condition of anonymity.

"USAID suspended assistance program began August 12," he said.

"Hamas through a series of steps that they pass off in the last month, has created an environment that jeopardize the ability of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide assistance to the Gazans, mostly vulnerable," the official said.

He declared all U.S. partner organizations will suspend their activities are funded by the U.S. until they can operate without interference or interruption from Hamas.

One other officials in Washington said he understands that Hamas has requested access to search physical files and records of NGOs, it is unprecedented.

Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, confirmed on Friday that they should be able to explain the notes NGOs financed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Palestinian territories. "Hamas government's interior minister wants to do its legal rights under the supervision of all institutions operating in Gaza," said the spokesman Taher al-Nunu.

He complained that USAID has refused to recognize the government in Gaza. He also added that anyone who wants to work in the Palestinian territories must comply with the law.

The same dispute are being held in Cairo, where the famous Egyptian intelligence officials in investigating foreign aid on civil society groups have sparked tensions between Washington and the generals in power in Egypt, court sources said.

In response, the Palestinian economy minister Hassan Abu Libdeh called on Hamas to take no action that threatens the relationship with NGOs.

Abu Libdeh, who assess the NGOs have been dedicated to rebuilding Gaza, declared cessation of the activities they will have severe consequences.