RAMALLAH, West Bank -- A senior Hamas leader proposed Monday halting armed attacks against Israel during the campaign for the Palestinian Authority president. Voting is scheduled for Jan. 9. Hassan Yousef, a senior Hamas leader in the West Bank who had been released recently from an Israeli jail after spending two years in custody told UPI Hamas also would consider a formal truce with Israel.
Hamas' armed wing, the Izzedin al Qassam, has carried out dozens of suicide bombings and other attacks, killing hundreds of Israelis during four years of violence.
Yusef said Hamas is interested in joining a national unity government with the Palestinian leadership, and to that end would agree to a cease-fire that would last 10 years.
Yusef said he would not rule out a halt to suicide bombings against Israeli targets during final negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
He also said that Hamas has a desire to participate in political decision-making among the Palestinian leadership.
