US to redirect aid through medical program

New York: The United States is planning to course aid to Palestinians through a new medical program rather than give direct funding to militant group Hamas, US officials said.

The program to provide medical supplies and money for health care comes as the United States tries to maintain a hard line against direct funding for the new Hamas-led Palestinian government.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the nearly $10 million program will be presented at a Tuesday meeting between the US, European Union, Russia and United Nations.

Rice said she and other leaders are following reports that medicine and health care equipment are in short supply in the Palestinian areas. "We're going to respond to that," she said.

US officials said the modest program would see quick, direct distribution of supplies and would remain under close US control.

The program will be funded by the $30 million that the Palestinian Authority returned earlier this year at US request.