Hamas PM takes Abbas on Israel recognition issue

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

At the United Nations on Thursday, Abbas indicated a national unity government would recognise the Jewish state. It was not clear whether Abbas promised more than he can deliver, in hopes of soliciting international support, or whether he was trying to pressure Hamas.