BBC NEWS | Middle East | Hamas to boycott early elections

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Hamas to boycott early elections: "The governing Palestinian movement Hamas has said it will boycott early elections called by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal said Mr Abbas' action was illegal.

Tony Blair, who is in the region, has backed the poll call. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said 'everything should be done' to support Mr Abbas.

A member of Mr Abbas' Fatah movement has been shot dead, putting pressure on a day-old truce with its rival Hamas.

Fatah said the man had been killed during an attempt to free three of its members kidnapped on Monday. Three others were hurt in the gunfight in Jabaliya refugee camp, northern Gaza." Read complete post here.