GAZA, June 16: The Palestinian militant group Hamas disclosed on Thursday that European Union diplomats had held talks with some of its members, an apparent shift in EU policy that drew sharp criticism from Israel.

It was the latest sign of a softening of a diplomatic boycott against Hamas after the group, which advocates Israel’s destruction, made a strong showing in Palestinian local elections held against the backdrop of a shaky ceasefire.

Israel was quick to voice it concerns. “Hamas is a murderous terrorist organisation responsible for countless acts of violence against Israeli civilians,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said.

Hamas is seen posing a challenge to the ruling Fatah in parliamentary elections.—Reuters