Aid cut is another example 'of US double standards'

Dubai: With forecasts indicating that the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza is set to worsen, residents of Dubai described the recent suspension of aid to the Palestinian government as completely unwarranted and unjust.

"The cutting of critical aid is simply another example of US double standards," said Canadian optometrist, Dr Homa.

"They call for democracy, but they don't want to deal with the results. All Arabs should help the Palestinian people. In addition, the Hamas-led government needs to be more diplomatic, and should deal with Israel because it is a reality."

Lebanese teacher, Huda Matto said she was not interested in the political situation, but the Palestinian people should not be made to suffer.

"Arab governments should look at the matter from the people's perspective and not as a political issue.

"Trustworthy international humanitarian organisations should monitor the donation process," she told Gulf News. 38-year-old Egyptian engineer, Shehab Al Orabi, said the media is a great tool and should play a key role in highlighting the immediate needs of the Palestinians, adding that it was "about time that Arabs stopped talking and started to act."

According to Norwegian, Hewad Wolasmal, further destabilization in the West Bank and Gaza will only serve to increase resentment of the United States in the Arab world.

"Is the US really interested in democracy? They are only punishing the Palestinians for their democratic choice.

"Furthermore, Arab leaders have to respond to the feelings of their own people and take a strong stand against these measures," he told Gulf News.

40-year old Ayman Sakr from Egypt described the suspension of aid as "totally unjustified."

"I believe the only way to solve the immediate crisis is to direct aid through non-governmental channels, as well as to try to influence the West to change their position on the withdrawal of aid to the Palestinian government."

A Scottish resident of Dubai, who did not wish to be named, said it was hypocritical of the United States and the EU to penalise the people for their democratic choice.

"The current government was democratically elected by the Palestinian people, and they should not suffer because of their choice," he said. "I think that the Arab governments should not abandon the Palestinians."