GAZA CITY (AFP)- The new Palestinian government, dominated by the Islamist faction Hamas, begins its first full day in office yesterday with a resounding rejection from Washington.

US President George W Bush said Wednesday it made “no sense” to support the new Hamas-led administration unless the radical group renounced violence against Israel.

Bush defended his threat to cut funding to the Palestinian government if Hamas refuses to recognise Israel, even though the militant group was democratically elected in January.

“I think that aid should go to suffering Palestinians, but not to a government, however, which has expressed its desire to destroy its neighbour,” he told an audience at the Freedom House, an independent pro-democracy group.

The move by Palestinian lawmakers on Wednesday to approve the new cabinet also prompted the swift severing of all ties and aid by Canada, one of a string of Western states that have threatened to cut all contacts unless Hamas renounces violence, and recognises Israel and past peace deals.

The 25-nation EU, the biggest donor of aid to the Palestinian Authority, has also warned it will have to cut at least some aid unless the new Palestinian government changes its stance.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the parliament building in Gaza City in the presence of Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas.

Hamas’ 24-member cabinet, including one woman and one Christian, took the oath by placing their right-hand on their holy book.

The proceedings were transmitted by video link to the main West Bank parliament building in Ramallah where 14 of the new ministers were sworn in by a senior Palestinian Authority official who stood in for Abbas.

Israel has barred Hamas members from travelling between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, citing security concerns.