Hamas picks new PM candidate

Hamas has chosen a candidate from one of its leaders to take over as prime minister once agreement on a unity government is finalised with President Mahmoud Abbas, a spokesman said on Monday.

Ghazi Hamad declined to identify the proposed replacement for Ismail Haniyeh in a deal with Abbas8217;s Fatah group that Palestinians hope can ease crippling Western sanctions.

There was no immediate comment from Abbas, whose faction was defeated by Hamas in January.

A senior Hamas leader announced on Sunday an agreement in principle with Fatah on a new government not headed by Haniyeh.