Reports surfaced on Monday that France is holding secret talks with Hamas. Israel Radio reported that the low-profile negotiations between the Palestinian movement and France were being held on behalf of the European Union.
The Radio added that Israel was concerned that other states, including China, India and Japan, will soon publicly recognize the Hamas-led government.
According to the radio, the European Union, Russia and India have already launched contacts with Hamas representatives.
A Hamas spokesman confirmed Monday that members of the Movement held talks two months ago with French officials and more recently with an Indian diplomat despite U.S. and Israeli attempts to isolate it.
"There is an understanding by France of the necessity for the European Union to reconsider its position regarding Hamas and they have promised to make an effort with other European countries in this regard," said Hamas spokesman Abu Zuhri.
"Meetings were held here (in Gaza) two months ago with French officials," Abu Zuhri said.
Palestinian killed
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces killed a member of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade on Monday morning near the West Bank town of Bethlehem. The victim, 31-year old Raed Abayat, was reportedly killed by Israeli soldiers in his home in the village of Beit Sahur.
Israeli soldiers arrived at the home of Abayat and then shot and killed him.
A second Palestinian in the home of Abayat was captured in the incident, according to Palestinian sources.
Also on Monday, Israeli troops arrested 13 other Palestinians throughout the West Bank, including a Fatah-Tanzim member in the town of Qalqilya. Molotov cocktails were reportedly thrown at Israeli soldiers during the raid.
One Palestinian was injured in the incident, though the cause and severity of his injury is still unclear.
