The Palestinian National Authority on Friday expressed its regret that U.S. lawmakers accepted a resolution cutting off all aid to the Palestinians if they turn to the United Nations in September to request the Palestinian Territories be recognized as an independent country.
The political advisor to PNA head Mahmud Abbas, Nimr Hammad, said during a briefing on Friday that the decision made by the U.S. House of Representatives was "a new attempt demonstrating its partiality to Israeli policy."
A majority vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday made the decision to cut off American aid to the Palestinians if they continue to strive for recognition as an independent state through the UN and not through dialogue with Israel.
The United States has warned earlier that it would use its veto in the UN Security Council to stop the progress of Palestinian recognition.
"This decision contradicts the interests of the United States in the region, breaches all international norms and shows contradiction in the U.S.'s attempts in the protection of freedom and the right of the people in self-determination, when at the same time they support the [Israeli] government which is using all forms of breaching human rights," Hammad said.
The United States does not support the PNA's desire to address the UN with the recognition of Palestinian independence.
A head of the Fatah delegation visiting Moscow, Nabil Shaath, reiterated on Tuesday the PNA's desire to address the UN for recognition of Palestinian independence.
The Palestinians want to form an independent state within the 1967 borders before Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.
Israel wants Jerusalem to be its "eternal and undivided" capital.
