Haniya cautious on peace with Palestinian president

Gaza: Hamas leader Esmail Haniya on Monday played down chances of quick reconciliation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group.

"Things are still at the beginning and it may take a long time," said Haniya, whom Abbas dismissed as prime minister last June.

Abbas last week called for a dialogue on peace, but Haniya said any dialogue should be held "without conditions". "There should be no winners and no losers," he said.

Haniya cited resistance from Israel as a factor that could delay reconciliation.

Israel demands that Hamas cease militant attacks on the Jewish state, but Hamas refuses to renounce violence or recognise Israel.