Related stories:

Fatah refuses to join Hamas-led govt Hamas not peace partner: Israel's labor leader  Palestinian PM Qurei resigns Hamas victory throws Fatah supporters into shock Hamas victory lesson to world: Hamas leader Palestinian election result delayed to day end: CEC Straw urges Hamas to relinquish arms Fatah concedes defeat by Hamas Hamas to consult with Abbas on forming new govt Hamas gets 77 seats in parliament: spokesman Israel concerns about Hamas victory in elections Fatah official congratulates Hamas leader on victory

   GAZA, Jan. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) declared on Thursday that the group has won a majority of seats in the 132-member new parliament in Wednesday's legislative ballot.

Hamas supporters celebrate the results of the Palestinian election in Khan Younis, south of Gaza Strip Jan. 26. (Reuters)

    "We have won over 70 seats in the Gaza Strip and West Bank," said Ismael Haneya, a senior Hamas leader who headed Hamas' list in Wednesday's elections.

    Haneya also urged the international community to respect the election results and the Palestinian people's choice.

   Meanwhile, Fatah officials said that the ruling Palestinian group has been defeated by Hamas which garnered more seats than Fatah.

   Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians headed to the polls in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Arab East Jerusalem to elect a new parliament in the first such ballot in a decade.

   Hamas, sworn to Israel's destruction, has gained ground in the elections at the expense of the long dominant Fatah movement, which is now led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas leader, and top candidate for the Palestinian parliamentary elections, Ismail Hanieh salutes supporters outside his house in Gaza City Jan. 26. (Reuters)

   The final election results are expected to be announced by the Palestinian Central Election Commission at a news conference scheduled at 7:00 p.m. (1700 GMT).

   If Hamas is confirmed the winner, the Islamic group will form the next government, which might reshape the landscape of the Middle East peace process.

   On Wednesday, Haneya said after casting his ballot in the Gaza Strip that Hamas will not lay down arms even if it wins the legislative elections.

   The group has spearheaded over five years of violence against the Israeli occupation and is labelled terrorist group by Israel, the United States and the European Union. Enditem

Hamas candidate Youssef al-Shrafi is congratulated at his home in Jabalya refugee camp Jan 26. (Reuters)

Hamas supporters celebrate the results of the Palestinian election Jan. 26. (Reuters)