Shock win for Hamas

2006-01-26 09:38

Gaza - Hamas has won the Palestinian legislative elections, according to officials in Hamas and the rival Fatah Party, a shocking victory that could throw Mideast peace prospects into turmoil.

Officials with the ruling Fatah Party conceded that Hamas had won about 70 seats, which would give the Islamists a majority in the 132-seat parliament. They spoke on condition of anonymity because counting in some districts was continuing.

Earlier, Hamas' top candidate, Ismail Haniyeh, said the group won 70 seats. A second Hamas official said the group had captured 75 seats - 31 in voting for national lists and 44 in district voting. The numbers came from Hamas supporters involved in the vote count.

Opinion polls had forecast a narrow Fatah victory. Official results were expected later on Thursday.

Hamas, which has committed dozens of suicide bombings against Israel, has ruled out talks with the Jewish state. Israel's acting prime minister, Ehud Olmert, said on Wednesday that Israel cannot accept a Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless it disarms.

- AP