GAZA, Feb 15: Hamas made its first parliamentary appointments on Wednesday as Israel prepared to decide on its strategy towards the Palestinians after the militant group takes up the reins of power.

Hamas named Mahmoud al Zahar from Gaza, one of its most hardline leaders, as head of its majority faction in the legislature, which convenes on Saturday for its first session since the group won the Jan 25 Palestinian election.

Aziz Dweik, from the West Bank, was chosen by Hamas as parliamentary speaker.

As the leader of parliament, Mr Dweik would become interim president, pending an election within 60 days, in the event of the death, resignation or incapacitation of President Mahmoud Abbas of the Fatah faction.

The appointments raised speculation Hamas would choose another of its leaders, Ismail Haniyeh, as prime minister. A Gazan, he is viewed by Palestinians as a pragmatist who has forged good relations with rival factions.—Reuters