BBC News Online: World: Middle East

Hamas may end suicide attacks

Sheikh Hassan Youssef, a senior Hamas leader in the West Bank town of Ramallah, said: "Hamas is studying the issue of suspending martyrdom attacks.

"It has not been decided yet, but the movement is aware of the interests of the Palestinian people and will take a decision that stems from their higher interests."

It was the first time that a Hamas leader had said the group was considering halting such attacks since Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat called in a speech on Sunday for an end to armed conflict with Israel.

The group has mounted a campaign of suicide bombings in response to Israel's killing of Palestinians during a 15-month-old uprising against Israeli occupation.