Despite the international embargo on aid to the Palestinian Authority since Hamas came to power a year ago, significantly more aid was delivered to the Palestinians in 2006 than in 2005, according to official figures from the UN, US, EU and IMF.
Instead of going to the Palestinian Authority, much of the money was given directly to individuals or through independent agencies like the World Food Program.
The International Monetary Fund and the United Nations say the Palestinians received 1,2 billion US dollar in aid and budgetary support in 2006, about 300 dollar per capita (indbygger), compared with 1 billion in 2005.
Meanwhile, the year-long boycott of the Palestinian Authority by the West is coming to an end, with the US and the EU moving towards establishing contacts with independent members of the new government of national unity.
Western officials still rule out meetings with ministers from Hamas, which the EU and the US classify as a terrorist group. But contacts with other government officials are set to go ahead and the EU may soon discuss resuming direct funding for the Palestinian Authority.
Norway already has recognized the new Palestinian government.
Kilde: www.worldbank.org
