IRAN: $120 MILLION TO HAMAS LED GOVERNMENT

Iran gives $120 million to Hamas-led govt this year, promises more

TEHRAN, Iran: Iran has given the Hamas-led Palestinian government more than $120 million this year, a Hamas leader said Thursday, and the Iranian government promised to sending money to the administration amid a Western financial embargo.

The U.S and Europe cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the Palestinian government to pressure the militant Hamas movement to recognize Israel and renounce violence after it took power in a January election landslide.

The United States has been pressing its allies in the Mideast to keep up the blockade amid efforts to form a new coalition Palestinian government to jump-start the peace process with Israel.

Iran, a longtime ally of Hamas, has moved in with funds to try to fill the void, boosting its influence among Palestinians.

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1) Iran gives $120 million to Hamas-led govt this year, promises more