RAMALLAH, July 2 (Xinhuanet) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) denied Saturday there are any disputes between its leaders in the Palestinian territories and leaders abroad on the issue of joining a national unity cabinet.

    Hassan Yousef, a prominent Hamas leader in the West Bank, said that there is one unified leadership of Hamas and their decision is always one decision.

    "The issue of joining a Palestinian national unity cabinet is under study," he asserted.

    Moreover, he said in an interview with Voice of Palestine on Saturday that in principle Hamas leadership both in the territories and abroad doesn't oppose to joining a Palestinian national unity cabinet.

    Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made the offer to Hamas earlier this week. Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei also said he is prepared to reshuffle his cabinet to turn it into a national unity government to face the challenges posed by the Israeli pullout.

    The central committee of the ruling Fatah movement, currently in session in Jordan's capital of Amman, also called on all the Palestinian factions to join a national unity government ahead of the Gaza pullout which is due to start within six weeks.

    Yousef said the proposal is a good idea and his movement is seriously considering the proposal.

    Meanwhile, another militant group the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) said, "Fatah central committee's appeal to form a national unity cabinet can be discussed by all factions who want to participate in it."

    But it insisted that Jihad will not join in any government as long as the Israeli occupation continues. Enditem