Washington, March 3, SPA -- The United States will continue providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people but Washington will not provide any financial assistance to a Hamas-led government, a top State Department official said Thursday. Since Hamas' victory in Palestinian elections in January, the State Department has launched a review of its aid programs and expects to finish it soon, ensuring that all direct financial assistance is blocked to Hamas party. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch told lawmakers that the United States is looking for ways to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians without violating any U.S. law. "It serves important U.S. national interests," Welch told the House of Representatives International Relations Committee. However, he said, "we have not, do not, and will not provide assistance to Hamas-in government or out of government."--SPA 11 30 Local Time 08 30 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/336252