The Muslim World is trying to overcome the potential problems expected to be caused by the economic sanctions imposed on Palestine by Israel and certain Western countries because of Hamas’ rise to power.

The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) announced their plans to make institutional and financial donations to the Palestinian Authority led by Hamas.

OIC Term President Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday that he met with various OIC leaders over the issue of sending aid to the Palestinians. Arab countries foreign ministers gathered in Algeria yesterday and discussed plans to send 50 million US dollar monthly to the Palestinian Administration.

Iran's spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei meeting Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal in Tehran yesterday called on all Muslims to make financial donations for the Palestinians.

The Muslim Brothers organization in Egypt announced the launch of a worldwide relief drive for the Hamas administration.

Badawi said in a statement, it is ironic that the United States first pushed for democracy and then started to look for excuses not to recognize the election results and to stop the flow of money to the new government led by Hamas.

The Malaysian PM saying this will only worsen the situation asked, "Why do they resort to a policy that will result in no good?"

The demands of the Palestinian people must be recognized and they must be given a chance to live in peace, Badawi added. He believes the Islamic Resistance Movement will establish a government that can bear the responsibility. Badawi revealed that he wrote letters to Hamas leaders and asked them to take advantage of the situation, and to follow and remain loyal to the peace process. According to the Malaysian prime minister, a clash could happen only if Hamas is provoked. "You know how they will fight. There will be no end to this." Badawi said, but, gave no details about the OIC's plan for aid.

'Sanctions do have an alternative'

Ismail Haniya, the official prime minister announced by Hamas on Sunday, in his statement to BBC Monday, ignoring the possible effects of economic sanctions on the Palestinian administration by Israel, said Palestinians have other alternatives.

If Western countries cut their aid, Arab and Muslim countries will provide funds, Haniya said. "There are Arab and Muslim countries and other members of the international community ready to help the Palestinian people."

The candidate prime minister repeated they will not lay down arms and recognize Israel.

Haniya said he is deeply saddened by Israel terming Hamas a "terrorist organization" and about the restriction of foreign donations. "The West always uses its financial aid as a way to pressure the Palestinian people," he expressed.

On Sunday, the Israeli cabinet announced the planned measures they will take against the Palestinian administration, which includes the cancellation of all fund transfers to Palestine.

Hamas political leader Mashaal in Tehran yesterday, after his contacts in Ankara over the weekend, said, "Despite the enemies' pressure, the Palestinian people's resistance against the Zionist regime will continue,” and he thanked Iran for their approach to the Palestine cause.

PHOTO CAPTION

Exiled political leader of Hamas Khaled Mashaal, 2nd right, and other Hamas members and Iranian officials visit the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Khomeini, seen in background, to pay their respects, in Tehran, Tuesday Feb. 21, 2006. (AP)