Hamas has appealed to the European Union not to cut aid to a Palestinian government that might include the Islamic militant group.

Ismail Haniya, a Hamas leader, said in Gaza on Monday: "We call on you to understand the priorities of our Palestinian people at this stage and continue the spiritual and financial support in order to push the region towards stability rather than pressure and tension."

Haniya, who headed Hamas's list of candidates, also appealed to the so-called Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators - the United States, the EU, the United Nations and Russia - to talk to the group without preconditions.

Pressure

In Israel on Sunday, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said there was no way the European Union could provide direct financial support for a Palestinian government that included Hamas as long as the group refused to give up violence and acknowledge Israel's right to exist. 

Hamas, which has carried out nearly 60 bombings in Israel since a Palestinian uprising began in 2000, swept to victory over the long-dominant Fatah faction of Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, in a parliamentary election on Wednesday.

Last year, the EU gave the Palestinian Authority 615 million US dollar, money vital for its survival. 

PHOTO CAPTION

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a news conference in Gaza City, Monday, Jan. 30, 2006. (AP)