Hamas ready to form govt by early March

A senior Hamas leader today said the Islamic militant group will have a government in place within two weeks after the new Palestinian parliament convenes for the first time this weekend.

The comments by Ismail Haniyeh, widely seen as Hamas’ top candidate for prime minister, mean a Hamas government could be in place well before the Israeli general election March 28.

Hamas’ rise to power is expected to dominate Israel’s election campaign and give a boost to right-wing parties.

Haniyeh said the new Cabinet would include a Christian politician and two women.