Hamas leader denounced Abbas-Mashaal deal

Senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar expressed opposition to the agreement signed between PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal in Doha, Qatar. The deal stipulates that Abbas would be put in charge of the Palestinian interim unity government.

Zahar told a Gaza news agency that Abbas' appointment was decided upon without consulting other Hamas leaders. "Handing the reins to Abbas is unacceptable," Zahar said. "It's a strategically erroneous plan." (Elior Levy)