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U.S. Threatens to Halt Gaza Aid Over Hamas Audits
(New York Times) Ethan Bronner - The State Department sent a message to Gaza's Hamas leaders on Thursday that it would withdraw some $100 million it is spending in Gaza on health care, agriculture and water infrastructure if they did not back off a demand to audit the books of American-financed charities operating there. The threat, delivered via an intermediary, came after Hamas officials suspended the operation of the International Medical Corps on Sunday for its refusal to submit to a Hamas audit at the charity's site. Early this year, Hamas asked all such groups to register with the central government, pay a fee and submit financial reports. U.S. policy forbids direct contact with Hamas, labeled a terrorist group. As a result, on-site audits by Hamas officials would lead to suspension of aid, American officials said.