WASHINGTON, Feb 16: The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on Wednesday urging that direct aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) be stopped as long as Hamas, which is expected to form a new Palestinian government, calls for Israel’s destruction.

The non-binding resolution expressing the sense of Congress was approved 418-1. The Senate passed the measure earlier this month.

The Bush administration is evaluating its aid program to the Palestinians following Hamas’s stunning victory in elections over the Fatah movement.

“Until Hamas changes course, dismantles its terrorist organisation, and agrees to work towards a peaceful settlement with Israel, no taxpayer money should be provided to support the Palestinian government,” said House Majority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican.

House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde, an Illinois Republican, said the resolution ‘sends a strong message’ to the Palestinians, without trying to force the Bush administration into a policy before the new government is formed.

A number of House members are pushing binding legislation to halt aid and withhold funds to the United Nations equal to the amount the world body provides the Palestinians.

For 2006, the United States has budgeted $150 million in assistance to the Palestinians, and a further $84 million to the UN fund. —Reuters