Hamas – regarded as a terror group by Israel and the West – made a strong showing in West Bank local elections – the first time the Islamic militant group competed at the polls.

The Israeli and Palestinian prime ministers were meeting today in a new climate of hope after a Palestinian terror truce, removal of Israeli tanks and roadblocks in Gaza and a deal to give the Palestinians security control over the West Bank town of Bethlehem.

Diplomatic efforts to restart frozen Middle East peace talks intensified today with a European delegation offering mediation and the United States about to outline its policies.