"In kind" Medical Assistance to the Palestinians
Statement by Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
May 9, 2006
I am pleased to announce that the United States is providing $10 million in medicine and related supplies to the
Palestinian people, who face a severe shortage in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. The delivery of the first $4
million of this assistance is already underway. Truckloads of emergency medical supplies for NGO-run clinics are
scheduled to arrive in Gaza tomorrow, May 10. This assistance is part of our continuing commitment to meet the
humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.
The remaining $6 million will be used to provide emergency medicine and equipment delivered by UNICEF, and a USAID
grantee, directly to those clinics or hospitals whether public or private with the most urgent needs.
The Hamas-run Palestinian Authority government bears sole responsibility for the hardships facing the Palestinian people
and the international isolation that the PA is now experiencing due to its refusal to recognize Israel, renounce
terrorism, and abide by previous agreements and obligations between the parties the three requirements set by the
Quartet and endorsed by PA President Abbas.
Hamas' policies and actions should not deprive the Palestinian people of their legitimate humanitarian needs. We will
continue to look for ways to assist the Palestinian people and we encourage other countries to join us in this effort.
We will not, however, provide support to a Hamas-led government that refuses to accept the calls of the Quartet and the
broader international community to renounce terror and become a partner for peace. 2006/475
Released on May 9, 2006
ENDS