Trump Halts US Aid to Palestinian Security Forces
The Trump administration has suspended all financial aid to the Palestinian Authority's security forces, as part of its broader freeze on foreign assistance, according to a report by The Washington Post, citing both US and Palestinian officials.
The funding halt comes at a critical time for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is struggling to maintain security control in parts of the occupied West Bank while also positioning itself for a potential governance role in post-war Gaza.
Despite chronic underfunding, the Palestinian security forces play a key role in maintaining law and order in both the West Bank and Gaza, the report noted.
While the US previously cut direct financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority during Trump's first term, it continued supporting training and security sector reforms.
This was carried out through the Office of the U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) in Jerusalem, an international body responsible for overseeing security training efforts.
Palestinian security spokesperson Anwar Rajab told The Washington Post that the US had been a major donor to PA-led projects, including security training and force development programs.
A former Israeli official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, suggested that the funding cut would not have a significant impact on the Palestinian security forces, as other donors had stepped in to fill the gap.
According to a senior Palestinian security officer, the funding halt has already led to reductions in training programs, particularly at the Palestinian Authority's Central Training Institute.
A planned meeting between Palestinian officials and US counterparts to assess PA-led counterinsurgency operations in Jenin Refugee Camp—which were put on hold following Israel's recent military incursion—has also been postponed indefinitely.
Additionally, the US had been funding the development of a virtual shooting range for Palestinian security forces, a crucial resource given that Israel prohibits the import of live ammunition for training.
With the project nearly completed, Palestinian officials are now seeking alternative funding sources due to the American aid freeze.
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