GAZA, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced on Thursday that Hamas candidates would campaignin East Jerusalem for the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections despite Israel's objection.

    Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masri told reporters that his movement was ready for voting, campaigning, rallying and lobbying in East Jerusalem although there was an Israeli opposition.

    "We are able to practice our election campaign in East Jerusalem, and there are so many means and ways to carry out this,such as televisions, radios, newspapers as well as the personal activity of our candidates," said al-Masri.

    Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said this week that Palestinians living in East Jerusalem could campaign and vote in the legislative elections due on Jan. 25, on condition that Hamas candidates be excluded.

    Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert agreed to decide whether to allow residents in East Jerusalem to vote in the elections at Sunday's cabinet meeting.

    Israel previously said it would ban voting in East Jerusalem but has softened its position recently.

    Hamas, which boycotted the first parliamentary elections in 1996, is poised to put up a strong showing and challenge the ruling Fatah movement led by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas this time.

    Hamas' participation in the elections raised concerns from Israel, which insisted on disarming Hamas, a militant group sworn to Israel's destruction, first before it can share power in Palestinian politics. Enditem