GAZA, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Hamas slammed on Sunday an Israeli decision to impose sanctions on the Hamas-led Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

    Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters that the Israeli government's decision was aimed at putting obstacles before a Hamas-led Palestinian government, but "we are confident that this decision won't affect at all the movement's political precession."

    The condemnation came in response to an Israeli cabinetdecision earlier in the day to impose a set of tough measures against the PNA after a Hamas-dominated parliament was sworn inand Hamas has been asked to form the next cabinet.

    The measures included a halt of tax transfers Israel collects on behalf of the PNA.

    "Hamas is armed with the steadfastness of our people and their support as well as the support of the Islamic and Arab world," Abu Zuhri said, adding that Hamas would employ all possible measures to avoid those security and economic sanctions that Israel imposed on the Palestinians.

    "We would seek Arab and Islamic financial aid for our people and we would use the technology of contacts between members of theparliament and the ministers in the government who are banned from moving between Gaza and the West Bank," said Abu Zuhri.

    He also called on the international community to press Israel to end these measures. Enditem