GAZA, Jan. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- A prominent leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday that the group will not curb militant groups and their armed struggle against the Israeli occupation as the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) has done in the past.

    Sayed Abu Msameh, a Hamas candidate who won a seat in the new parliament, said that Hamas will not curb militant groups as the PNA has done.

    Hamas has remained committed to resistance, said Abu Msameh, adding that the group does not hope to spark internal strife with other Palestinian powers over the armed struggle.

    In addition, Abu Msameh told reporters that Hamas will spend all efforts in contacting with all the Palestinian powers, especially with the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) toward achieving the Palestinian people's legitimate rights.

    Abu Msameh made the remarks as Hamas defeated the long dominant Fatah movement, now led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, inlast week's legislative ballot.

    According to the Palestinian law, Hamas, which now holds 74 seats in the 132-member parliament, will form a new government.  

    Earlier in the day, Israeli acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that Israel will boycott the Hamas-led Palestinian government unless the group renounces violence, recognizes Israel and abidesby all the agreements reached between the PNA and Israel.  Enditem