US speaks out against tax transfer freeze

US State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki responded to Israel's decision to freeze Palestinian tax funds on Monday, saying: "We oppose any actions that raise tensions and we call on both sides to avoid it."

Psaki added that regarding possible sanctions against the Palestinians, “the next step would be Congress deciding what step or action they may take as it relates to assistance.

“Right now our focus and the secretary’s focus is on engaging with both parties.”