A Hamas leader appealed today to the European Union not to cut aid to a Palestinian government that might include the Islamic militant group.
"We call on you to understand the priorities of our Palestinian people at this stage and continue the spiritual and financial support in order to push the region towards stability rather than pressure and tension," Ismail Haniyeh said in Gaza.
In Israel yesterday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was no way the European Union could provide direct financial support for a Palestinian government that included Hamas as long as the group refused to give up violence and acknowledge Israel's right to exist.
Hamas, which has carried out nearly 60 suicide bombings in Israel since a Palestinian uprising began in 2000, swept to victory over President Mahmoud Abbas's long-dominant Fatah faction in a parliamentary election on Wednesday.
Last year the EU gave the Palestinian Authority €500 million, money vital for its survival.
Mr Haniyeh, who headed Hamas's list of candidates, also appealed to the Quartet of Middle East peace brokers - the United States, the EU, the United Nations and Russia - to open a dialogue with the group without preconditions.