A committee of British parliamentarians has criticized the boycott of the Hamas-led Palestinian government, claiming it pushes Palestinians closer to Iran. A report issued by the International Development committee – which is comprised of members of parliament representing all parties – argues that "It is right to pressure Hamas to change policies which militate against a peace process. However, this would best be achieved through dialogue and engagement." The committee suggests that it is not the need for more money alone that is stifling the Palestinian economy, but rather "the main forces eroding prospects of development [are] Israeli measures – the expansion of settlements, its West Bank security barrier and checkpoints." The report calls for a "comparative initiative" to pressure Israel "to put into practice agreements it has signed up to or to end clearly identified practices which are causing poverty and suffering in Gaza.