Forcing Hamas into a corner

With the European Union (EU) temporarily halting aid to the Hamas-led Palestinian government, a new and dangerous signal is sent out: It is tantamount to interference in another country's affairs, while not accepting the democratic choice of the people.

Although the actions of the EU were expected, it does nothing to assuage the shock of its implementation, especially as it is conjoined with similar action taken by the US because Hamas has failed to accede to international requests to renounce violence and to recognise Israel. Hamas has said both these issues are due for consideration but entirely dependent upon future actions taken by Israel.

Obviously Hamas is not keen to make such concessions when they have fought for so many years to get Israel to withdraw from the Occupied Territories, something the Palestinian electorate recognised at the recent elections, thereby putting Hamas into power.

Should Hamas now do the bidding of the international community for what, at face value, is of no advantage to Palestinians it could be interpreted as letting down those very people who voted them into power. For Hamas to retain its newly-won grip on power, it must now turn to Arab nations for increased financial support.