President George W. Bush vowed on Thursday that the United States will protect Israel against the threat of Hamas and Washington will not deal with Hamas until it recognizes Israel.

"America's commitment to Israel's security is strong, enduring and unshakable," Bush said during a speech at the 100th anniversary of the American Jewish Committee.

"Hamas has made it clear that they do not acknowledge the right of Israel to exist, and I made it clear that so long as that's their policy we will have no contact with the leaders of Hamas," Bush said.

The United States has vowed not to deal with the Hamas-led Palestinian government until the radical Islamic group renounces violence and recognizes the existence of Israel.

Moreover, the Bush administration has suspended direct aid and contacts with the Hamas-led Palestinian government, although it said it would increase humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.

Source: Xinhua