The front page informative article by Ron Kampeas (?Cracks emerge over aid to Palestinians,? Feb. 3) highlights some of the unintended consequences of Hamas? victory in the Palestinian elections.

The Bush administration suggests continuing financial support for ?humanitarian? services. That would be a serious mistake. If the terrorist organization Hamas is cut off from aid it will have to use its money to feed its people rather than buy more weapons and rockets to threaten Israel. Palestinians must be made to realize that their 60-year rejection of the Jewish state to exist side-by-side with them has consequences and will not be subsidized by the civilized world.

The West badly needed more realism and less delusion about the Palestinians. Having voted over 60 percent for Hamas, the Palestinians? true intentions still is the destruction of Israel. Hamas is a militia much like the one Hitler had and got elected with disastrous results.

Choosing Hamas and terrorism over corruption clearly demonstrated that Palestinians aren?t ready nor capable of governing themselves or being worthy of statehood anytime soon.

There can be no negotiations with Hamas unless they renounce terrorism, disarm and recognize Israel?s right to exist in security and peace. As a first step they should abolish their hateful charter calling for the elimination of Israel, and teach tolerance towards their neighbors in schools, mosques and the Palestinian media.

Josh Basson

Seattle