TEL AVIV, Jan 4: Israel is ready to open talks with Hamas if it wins the Palestinian general election as long as the radical group disarms, Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said on Wednesday.

“Israel is prepared to have negotiations with Hamas if it wins the elections and if it announces that it has disarmed,” Mr Mofaz was quoted as saying by army radio.

Hamas is fielding parliamentary candidates in the Jan 25 Palestinian general election for the first time. —AFP

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