Palestinian aid

The U.N.'s Matthias Schmale reflects on his time as a leading international aid rep in Gaza. He departed UNRWA this week after offending Palestinians with his remarks on Israeli airstrikes.

The Gaza Strip needs major reconstruction after the Israeli military hit buildings and infrastructure. Experts say the U.N.-backed process of vetting projects ends up increasing costs and delays.

Israel aims to vaccinate 25% of its citizens by end of January but the country has not provided any to the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza, which are scrambling for shots.

The U.S. is ceasing aid to the Palestinians as a new anti-terror law takes effect Friday but will continue efforts to coordinate between Palestinians and Israelis.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel B. Shapiro and Washington Institute for Near East Policy senior fellow Dana Stroul warn of the consequences of cutting U.S. assistance.

The White House has blocked efforts to finish U.S.-funded infrastructure projects in the West Bank and Gaza before a Feb. 1 aid cutoff date.

After freezing millions of dollars in assistance, the Trump administration may be on the verge of formally cutting off the aid.