GAZA, Jan. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- An official of the mainstream Fatah movement congratulated a senior leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Thursday on the group's victory in the Palestinian legislative elections.

   Hussein al-Sheikh, senior Fatah leader in the West Bank of Ramallah, telephoned Ismael Haneya, Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip who headed Hamas list in the elections, and congratulated him on Hamas' overwhelming victory in the legislative elections.

   Earlier, a Hamas spokesman announced that the group has won 77 seats in the 132-member parliament, defeating the long dominant Fatah.

   If confirmed winner, Hamas, sworn to Israel's destruction, will be asked to form a new cabinet, according to the Palestinian law.

   Shortly after Hamas claimed victory, Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei and other cabinet members submitted resignations and asked President Mahmoud Abbas to let Hamas set up a new government.

   Final results of Wednesday's parliamentary ballot will be announced later in the day. Enditem