US HOUSE VOTES TO WITHHOLD U.S. AID TO HAMAS/PA

US House votes to withhold Palestinian aid.

The House measure approved Wednesday states that “no United States assistance should be provided directly to the Palestinian Authority if any representative political party holding a majority of parliamentary seats within the Palestinian Authority maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel.”  House Majority Leader John Boehner, speaking before the vote, said the measure would send a message to Hamas that Washington means business as it presses the Islamist group to break with its past views on Israel’s right to exist.

“The United States is encouraged by the open, free, and fair elections held by the Palestinian people, and we will continue to support their democratic reform efforts,” Boehner said in a statement earlier Wednesday.  “At the same time, the new government must be aware of both its domestic responsibilities and international obligations,” he said.  “The responsibility of self-government has real consequences for both Hamas and the future of the Palestinian people. Until Hamas changes course — dismantles its terrorist organization, and agrees to work towards a peaceful settlement with Israel — no taxpayer money should be provided to support the Palestinian government. ”Our message is clear,“ the Republican leader added. ”The United States does not and will not support terrorist organizations."