A Hamas leader has raised the possibility of talks with Israel in a move that softens the Islamic militant group's position before this week's Palestinian election.
The shift by Mahmoud al-Zahar came on the final frenetic day of official campaigning before tomorrow's parliamentary vote, which could catapult the movement into its first role in government.
"Negotiations are a means. If Israel has anything to offer on the issues of halting attacks, withdrawal, releasing prisoners . . . then one thousand means can be found," Zahar said.
As an example, he cited contacts the Lebanese militant group Hizbullah held with Israel, via German mediators, for the release of Lebanese held in Israeli jails.
"Negotiation is not a taboo," Zahar said. "But the political crime is when we sit with the Israelis and then come out with a wide smile to tell the Palestinian people that there is progress, when in fact, there is not."
Israel and the United States reject dialogue with Hamas who are fighting for the withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian land. Hamas has long rejected peace talks.
The group has carried out nearly 60 suicide bombings since the start of a Palestinian uprising in 2000, and its charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state.
However, a senior Israeli official, commenting on Zahar's remarks, said: "If they stop terrorism and if they rescind their covenant . . . we will consider it [negotiations]. Before that, it is worthless to talk about it."