Following Monday’s suicide bombings in Tel Aviv, for which Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility, Hamas announced its support for this murder of innocent civilians. Hamas called this week’s attack “legitimate,” saying that it would not try to curb further attacks. Both of these positions are untenable. A legitimate government cannot condone terror and the murder of innocent men, women, and children; it is unacceptable to publicly proclaim support for suicide bombings.

When Hamas was first elected to power in January, many were worried that they would maintain their advocacy for Israel’s extermination. At the time, we encouraged foreign nations to continue to provide aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to give Hamas a chance to moderate its views. Two-and-a-half months have passed, and Hamas has chosen terror and violence rather than peace and reconciliation. In addition to supporting terrorism, Hamas has attempted to smuggle missiles and assault rifles through Jordan, a move which was duly rejected when Jordan canceled a diplomatic visit by a Hamas emissary. These troubling developments do not bode well for the Middle East peace process, and it seems that the only way for Palestinians and Israelis to attain peace is under a different Palestinian regime.

In that vein, we hope that the U.S. and Europe pressure other nations to follow their lead and cease their funding of the Hamas-operated Palestinian Authority (PA). Nevertheless, supporting the Palestinian people is a noble goal; therefore, humanitarian aid should continue to flow through organizations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

Following the attacks, Israel could have launched a campaign of retribution and broad destruction of Palestinian infrastructure. Rather, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert took measured steps to stop travel in select, dangerous areas of the West Bank and to target only leaders of Islamic Jihad. This is the type of restraint that needs to be shown on both sides of the conflict in order for true peace to eventually emerge. It is unacceptable for Hamas to allow Islamic Jihad and other terrorist factions to operate freely within the Palestinian territories.

We hope that in the near future, Mahmoud Abbas, as president of the PA, calls for a referendum to form a new government. At that time, Palestinians need to take a hard look at their past choice and attempt to discern what is truly in their best interest. The main source of income for most residents of the West Bank is foreign aid to the PA, and Hamas’ actions only reduce this aid, therefore endangering many families’ livelihoods. Although their government may no longer be comprised of a corrupt Fatah administration, the Hamas regime is hindering progress and embittering the lives of ordinary Palestinians through its violent stances. Palestinians need an alternative to Hamas, one which works for peace and the interest of the Palestinian people.