Hamas wants Arafat's job

HAMAS, a militant group that espouses suicide attacks and a strict Islamic rule, says it is ready to take over the Palestinian leadership from Yasser Arafat.

The statements on Thursday by a senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Zahar, were a rare public expression of the rising political ambitions of the group as Israel works to weaken Arafat.

Zahar said the group was "absolutely" prepared to lead the Palestinian people. He said Hamas had the infrastructure to take over leadership "politically, financially (and) socially. And with respect to an army, we can create one with all capabilities", he said.