WASHINGTON: The White House on Wednesday warned Israel not to withhold funding intended for the Palestinian Authority in retaliation for decisions by three European countries to recognise a State of Palestine.

“I think it’s wrong on a strategic basis, because withholding funds destabilises the West Bank, it undermines the search for security and prosperity for the Palestinian people which is in Israel’s interests, and, I think, it’s wrong to withhold funds that provide basic goods and services to innocent people,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters.

Israel updated White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on its refined plans to minimise civilian harm in Rafah when he visited the region last weekend, he said on Wednesday.

“We now have to see what unfolds from here,” Sullivan told a news briefing, referring to Israel’s operation in the southern Gaza city. “What we’re going to be looking at is whether there is a lot of death and destruction from this operation or if it is more precise and proportional.”

He said Israeli operations to date in the area have been targeted and limited.

He also said aid is flowing from a pier in Gaza to the Palestinians there, and that it was wrong for Israel to withhold funds from the West Bank.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2024