Peace hopes thwarted as Hamas refuses to recognise Israel

President Mahmoud Abbas’ bumpy efforts to set up a Palestinian government acceptable to the West suffered a new setback today, after the prime minister from the Islamic militant group Hamas said he would not lead a coalition that recognises Israel.

Hamas has ruled alone since March, but earlier this month agreed to share power with Abbas’ moderate Fatah Party, in hopes of ending a crippling international aid boycott of the Palestinian Authority.