U.S. voices concern on Gaza, denounces Hamas

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip and accused the militant Islamist group Hamas of committing "acts of terror" against the Palestinian people.

A Hamas victory in factional fighting in Gaza would deal a blow to a U.S. peace push founded on the premise that Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would be capable of reining in militants and Israel would embrace him as a partner.

"This is a source of profound concern," White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters when asked about conditions in Gaza after Hamas fighters captured one of the last Gaza City bastions of forces loyal to Abbas and his Fatah faction.

"Hamas has demonstrated its own view of democracy by once again committing acts of terror, now against the Palestinian people," he said.

Hamas, which won a Palestinian parliamentary election last year, is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Israel.

Washington has led efforts to isolate the Hamas-dominated government, demanding that it renounce violence, recognize Israel's right to exist and abide by existing agreements with the Jewish state.

"We think that it's important that the violence cease and that democracy, real democracy, get a chance to succeed in the Palestinian areas," Snow said.

"The Palestinian people have been afflicted by violence and want for far too long, so we are keeping very close watch," he added.