A majority in the Senate was said to have called on Obama to end all
U.S. aid to the PA should it accept Hamas as a partner in the next
government. The appeal has come from both
Republicans and Democrats, including the chairs of powerful committees.
"The decision of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to form a
unity government with Hamas — a designated terrorist group — threatens to
derail the Middle East peace effort," a letter by Democrats to Obama read.
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The Democrats' letter, which cited Hamas's support for Al Qaida, was
initiated by Senators Robert Menendez and Robert Casey. Republicans have
already expressed support for a cutoff of U.S. aid to the PA.
So far this year, the Obama administration has allocated $550 million to the PA, much
of it to build its security forces. Under the reconciliation accord, Hamas
was invited to participate in both PA government and security programs.
"This is emblematic of Hamas's policy," the letter said. "The United
States should stand by its refusal to work with any Palestinian government
that includes Hamas."