The Hamas militant group won local elections in the West Bank’s largest cities, according to preliminary results released today, dealing a harsh blow to the ruling Fatah party just six weeks ahead of a parliamentary poll.

The Hamas militant group won local elections in the West Bank’s largest cities, according to preliminary results released today, dealing a harsh blow to the ruling Fatah party just six weeks ahead of a parliamentary poll.

Israeli troops have moved into the West Bank town of Ramallah today, hours after Yasser Arafat named a new, streamlined Cabinet and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon was to meet US president George Bush in Washington.

Israeli Defence Force helicopters are currently attacking the West Bank city of Jenin, according to reports.