UNITED NATIONS, March 30: The refusal of the Hamas-led Palestinian government to commit to non-violence, recognition of Israel and other principles will inevitably have an effect on direct assistance to it, the Middle East diplomatic Quartet, made up of the United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia warned on Thursday.

“The Quartet welcomed President Abbas’ call for the new Palestinian government to commit to a platform of peace and, having carefully assessed the programme of the new government approved on March 28, noted with grave concern that the new government has not committed to the principles,” spelled out by the Quartet in a pronouncement made soon after the January elections, the group said in a formal statement.

Those principles include the acceptance of previous agreements including the Road Map peace plan it sponsors.

Meanwhile, Hamas’s exiled leader Khaled Meshaal said the movement had not changed its stance now that it was in government in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

“We do not promise our people to turn Gaza into Hong Kong or Taiwan but we promise them a dignified and proud life behind the resistance in defence of their honour, their land and their pride,” Meshaal said on Al Jazeera television from Beirut.

Israel, has already withheld monthly Palestinian tax transfers of $50 million.

“We hope the Quartet reviews its position,” planning minister Samir Abu Eisha told news-agencies.

“The Europeans and others supported holding elections so, ethically, they should accept and respect the choice of the Palestinian people.”

He said aid cutbacks would have ‘dire consequences’ for the Palestinian people, putting pressure on education, health and social services.