Foreign donors have pledged at least $US 7 billion in financial aid to the Palestinians. Of that amount, Russia is to give $US 10 million next year for healthcare and other urgent needs.
The commitment was made by more than 60 countries and organisations at a donor's conference in Paris, the biggest such meeting in a decade. The money is earmarked for healthcare, security and communication in the Palestinian Authority. The aid amount exceeded the figure which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas requested. The package, however, was rejected by Abbas's rivals, Hamas, which currently controls Gaza.