Hamas says negotiations with Israel not likely

Gaza: A Hamas spokesman on Saturday ruled out negotiations with Israel, saying that the group will never recognise "the enemy".

Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan also criticised negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian authority.

He added that "the Zionist enemy must depart and recognize the Palestinian people's rights."

Radwan's remarks were made two days after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he was ready to compromise on making peace with Palestinians and Syrians.

On Thursday, an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in the Gaza strip.