EU warns Palestinians of aid cutoff

LONDON — "For the first time, the European Union has warned of a suspension of aid to the Palestinian Authority.........."

Is it because Hamas has retracted its' declaration of destruction - the destruction of Israel? No.

Is it because of deteriorating security in the West Bank and Gaza Strip? Well, yes.

But more specifically:

EU officials said Brussels could not approve aid to any entity that was too dangerous to enable a monitoring effort. They said the torching of EU offices in Ramallah and Gaza City has endangered plans to provide 500 million euros to the Palestinians in 2006.

Officials said the PA has been unable to protect EU personnel or interests in the Gaza Strip. They said most EU personnel have left the area, the exception being monitors at the Rafah border terminal. The monitors live in Israel, Middle East Newsline reported.

[SNIP]

In a statement in Brussels, Ms. Ferrero Waldner warned of a suspension of aid to the PA and Palestinians unless security was assured. She said such a prospect would not reflect any EU intention to punish the Palestinians.