As a minimum the Palestinian Authority needs between $70 and $150 million per year just to function. That Hamas can raise from its current paymasters in Syria and Iran with some help from private contributors (One of whom gives them $4 every year). Last year the Palestinian Authority received $600 million from the EU and $400 million from the USA.

With the election of Hamas (which I predicted many many months ago) the following organisations have stated that they want a clear statement from Hamas acknowledging Israel's right to exist, the United Nations, the European Union and the Government of the United States of America. Hamas has stated that they would not bend to such harsh, imposed conditions, which is fair enough that is their choice, they have not yet felt the burden of responsibility as the elected government of a an aspiring nation. They will come to realise that they no longer have the luxury of ideals, they have to provide government and leadership for their electorate, they have to help provide jobs and security.

If Saudi Arabia wants to step in and help Hamas while they come to this realisation all well and good. But Hamas would be well advised to examine the motives of the Saudi's very closely. It could be that Saudi Arabia is quite prepared to 'maintain' Palestine as a charity 'basket case' state and allow Hamas to foster the illusion that things can go on as before because the money keeps rolling in. Hamas will degenerate into the same inept and corrupt government and administration that the Palestinian people learned to accept as the norm under Arafat. This will lead to disenchantment with the democratic political process, Palestine will remain weak and angry and the conflict will continue - exactly what Saudi Arabia wants.

The truth of the matter is that for there to be any Palestinian State it must co-operate very closely with the State of Israel, doesn't matter how much money saudi pumps in.