WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Calling it a terrorist organization bent on disrupting the peace process, President Bush on Wednesday said Hamas and other militant Mideast groups must be dismantled before peace can be achieved.

"In order for there to be peace, Hamas must be dismantled," Bush said at a joint news conference with the European Union leadership.

Bush called on the nations of the European Union to cut off funding and support of Hamas and other militant Mideast groups to enhance the prospects of peace in the region. (European Union summit)

"Progress toward this goal will only be possible if all sides do all in their power to defeat the determined enemies of peace, such as Hamas and other terrorist groups," Bush said.

"Nearly every hopeful moment in the region, nearly every sign of progress toward peace, is followed by more murders in the guise of martyrdom, as those who oppose peace do all they can to destroy the hopes and aspirations of those who desire to live in peace."

Bush made his comments after Palestinian officials said they reached a cease-fire agreement with Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas, to suspend attacks against Israelis for three months. (Full story)

Asked about the reports of the cease-fire, Bush said, "I'll believe it when I see it, knowing the history of the terrorists in the Middle East.

"It's one thing to make a verbal agreement, but in order for there to be peace in the Middle East, we must see organizations such as Hamas dismantled. And then we'll have peace, then we'll have a chance for peace," he said.

"The true tests for Hamas and terrorist organizations is the complete dismantlement of their terrorist networks, their capacity to blow up the peace process." [...]