Hamas Leader: Ready for Long-term Truce

[Moloch]

RAMALLAH, West Bank — In an apparent change in long-standing policy, a top Hamas (search) leader said Friday the militant group would accept the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as well as a long-term truce with Israel.

Hamas' statement came as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (search) described Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (search) as the Palestinians' best chance for peace.

Mubarak's comments could mean warming relations between Israel and an important Mideast peace mediator at a crucial time. It was a marked departure from past comments from Mubarak and other Egyptian officials blaming Sharon for the escalation of violence in the territories.

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