Hamas has received an official invitation for talks in Moscow, a leader of the movement said in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, Reuters reported. According to Khalil Abu Laila, the invitation was sent to Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal and that a date for the visit would be agreed later.
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The United States Congress on Wednesday passed a resolution stipulating that until Hamas revokes its position regarding the destruction of Israel, US aid should not be provided to the PA.
The non-binding resolution, which merely urges the recommendation, was approved by a vote of 418 to one in Congress, according to Reuters.
Earlier in the month, the United States Senate passed the measure, which would withhold funds from the new Palestinian parliament set to be sworn in on Saturday.
Some $150 million was set aside to be provided to the PA during the current year.
"Until Hamas changes course, dismantles its terrorist organization, and agrees to work toward a peaceful settlement with Israel, no taxpayer money should be provided to support the Palestinian government," said House Majority Leader, John Boehner.
Additionally, House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde explained that the move would send a "strong message" to the Palestinians, though would stop short of committing the US government to withholding the funds.
So too, Israel is expected to cut off funds to the PA, though it is expected to continue contacts with the new government.
International funding is expected to fill the potential aid vacuum left by the decisions of the US and Israel. Some fear such a vacuum would allow Iran to gain influence in Palestinian affairs.
