Last update - 00:00 23/07/2007
Canada resumes immediate financial aid to Palestinian Authority
By The Associated Press
Canada has resumed aid to the Palestinian Authority, joining a growing list of countries that have done so following the expulsion of the militant Hamas movement from the government.
Canada is giving an immediate infusion of $8 million, and another $1 million is being given to the International Committee of the Red Cross to aid in its work protecting civilians in the strife-torn region.
Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay said the resumption of aid reflects the new Palestinian government's commitment to nonviolence and recognition of Israel.
Canada was one of the first countries to cut off aid last year after Hamas, considered a terrorist group by some Western countries, swept Palestinian parliamentary elections last year.
In June, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expelled Hamas from the
government after Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza.