Palestinians get $143m EU aid

2006-02-27 22:15

Brussels - The European Union agreed on Monday to provide #$143m in urgent aid for Palestinians before a government takes office led by Hamas - a group the bloc considers a terrorist organisation.

The funds were required to avoid "economic chaos" from paralysing the Palestinian Authority, French foreign minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said.

Officials said the aid package comprises $48m to pay for the Palestinian Authority's energy and other utility bills; $76m for health and education projects and $21m to help the authority pay its employees.

- AP