U.S. lawmakers have lifted a hold on aid to the Palestinians which was suspended earlier this year in response to their bid for United Nations membership.

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says she will no longer block some $200 million in aid used to fund the Palestinian police force and other development projects in the territories.

In a letter sent to the U.S. foreign aid agency, Ros-Lehtinen said the committee received assurances about the use of the funds and their importance to national security.

U.S. lawmakers froze the money in late August in response to the Palestinian Authority's bid for statehood recognition which was made despite strong objections from the U.S. and Israel.

Last week, the United States announced it was cutting off funding to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after it voted to admit the Palestinians as a full member.