Palestinian Ambassador says Hamas will embrace peace

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland has said he believes Hamas will embrace peaceful means following its victory in this week's elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The organisation is committed to the destruction of Israel.

However, Palestinian Ambassador Hikmat Ajjuri said today that he believed the party's move into government would force it to work towards peace.

Dr Ajjuri said the Palestinian Authority relied for funding on institutions such as EU, which has demanded that Hamas renounce violence.

"Hamas has been faced with straightforward requests by the countries that are very important for the Palestinians and I'm sure Hamas will come to terms with that request because I think it is true that democracy and violence don't at all match," he said.