The Palestinian militant group Hamas has disclosed that European Union diplomats had held talks with some of its members.
The Israeli newspaper Haaretzreported yesterday that the EU had given low-level diplomats permission for contacts with representatives of Hamas's political wing.
The 25-nation EU, along with the United States, classifies Hamas as a terrorist group.
News of the talks are the latest sign of a softening of a diplomatic boycott against Hamas after the Islamist group, made a strong showing in Palestinian local elections held against the backdrop of a shaky ceasefire.
An EU official in Washington said EU contacts with members of Hamas were "limited to the extent to which it's necessary for carrying out work on the ground" on projects in Palestinian areas. "This is not to be confused with entering into contact with the political organisation," the EU official said.
Israel, which rejects any contacts with Hamas, was quick to voice its concerns. "Hamas is a murderous terrorist organization responsible for countless acts of violence against Israeli civilians," a foreign ministry spokesman said.
"We think the international community should be engaging the moderates in Palestinian society," he said. "We would be critical of a policy that could be perceived as appeasing the extremists."
Hamas is seen posing a growing challenge to moderate President Mahmoud Abbas's ruling Fatah party in coming parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.