Pull-out 'could bring Gaza poll'

By James Reynolds BBC correspondent in Jerusalem

Hamas' involvement in elections would be an important step

An Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip could pave the way for Palestinian elections, the Palestinian foreign minister says.

Nabil Shaath made his comments in the run-up to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's trip to Washington next week.

Mr Sharon will be looking for support for his so-called disengagement plan, which includes withdrawal from Gaza.

The Palestinian Authority has serious doubts about the plan, but appears to have decided to make the best of it.

Important step

Mr Shaath told reporters he hopes that the Islamic movement Hamas will take part in any elections held - the first since 1996.

We hope this (withdrawal) will pave the road for a Palestinian general election with participation with Hamas Nabil Shaath

That would be an important step.

Hamas boycotted the 1996 vote, the only Palestinian Authority election held so far.

It said at the time that it wanted nothing to do with the Oslo peace process which established the PA.

The movement has yet to reply to Mr Shaath's suggestion that it may take part in the next election.

Peacemakers will be encouraged by the promise of a new vote - but Palestinian elections have been promised before, notably during the early days of the international peace plan, the so-called roadmap, a year ago.

But so far they have not been held.

Up till now the Palestinian Authority has always said that Israeli restrictions would make a free and fair vote impossible.