Aid to Hamas is like shooting yourself in the foot.

The world seems to be united in their view that Hamas is not deserving of international aid unless drastric change is implemented. Thank God. I was beginnig to think the world was going to crack.

Stephen Harper has demonstrated he will not tolerate a terrorist government in Palestine. Even the Aid-happy European Union has stated that Hamas must "recognize the state of Israel, renounce violence and disarm." Could Europe actually be growing some balls for once?

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LONDON, England (AP) -- The United States wants other nations to cut off aid to a Hamas-led Palestinian government, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said ahead of an international strategy session on Mideast peace prospects.

Rice ruled out any U.S. financial assistance to a Hamas government.

Humanitarian help to the Palestinians, many of whom are poor and unemployed, is likely on a "case-by-case basis," Rice said Sunday.

She indicated that the administration would follow through on aid promised to the current, U.S.-backed Palestinian government led by President Mahmoud Abbas.

"The United States is not prepared to fund an organization that advocates the destruction of Israel, that advocates violence and that refuses its obligations," under an international framework for eventual Mideast peace, Rice said.

Rice was meeting other members of the so-called Quartet of would-be Mideast peacemakers Monday.

The group, which includes the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations, is already on record as saying "there is a fundamental contradiction between armed group and militia activities and the building of a democratic state."

In Gaza meanwhile, a Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, called on the international community to continue funding the Palestinian Authority.

"We assure you that all the revenues will be spent on salaries, daily life and infrastructure," he said at a news conference, addressing international concerns that aid would be used to fund violence.