Accusations!

Some heated responses to Israel's decision to sever all ties with the PA. From Aljazeera:

1) Hamas described Israel's action as a declaration of war.

2) The PA has said that Israel's actions are in violation of previous agreements between the Palestinians and Israelis.

3) Mahmoud Abbas said that "we are a peaceful nation but we want our rights".

4) Hamas has accused America and the EU of blackmailing the PA, as the West has decided not to continue giving aid money to the Palestinian government.

My thoughts on these accusations:

1) Hamas' charter states their intention to destroy Israel through violent means. Is that not a de facto declaration of war in itself?

2) Hamas does not recognize the previous agreements signed between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Why should the Israelis continue to do so?

3) Prove it. Force Hamas to renounce violence and recognize Israel. Why is that asking too much?

4) The West has the interests of peace and stability in Palestine. It thus makes sense for the West to provide financial assistance to those seen as furthering those aims. It conversely does not make sense for the West to aid a government that remains committed to violence. The West does not owe financial aid to everyone; its our business who we fund and who we don't. Not funding a terrorist organization is not blackmail, its common sense.

I also find it ironic that before the Palestinian elections, Hamas brought up the fact that Fatah had received American money. They acted like Fatah had sold out for taking Western money. Now they turn around and accuse us of blackmail?

What is Hamas so worried about? Since other Middle Eastern governments are so concerned about the plight of the Palestinians, I'm sure they'll have no problem replacing Western money (insert heavy sarcasm).

Incidentally, its important that the West provide direct aid. We want to make life difficult for Hamas; not for the Palestinian people. Let them see that Hamas is incapable of furthering the peace process, but also that the West does care about their situation; then perhaps next time around the elections will turn out better.