Abbas's term to end in January, says Hamas

Gaza Strip: The Hamas-dominated Palestinian legislature is stepping up pressure on President Mahmoud Abbas.

Hamas lawmakers in the Gaza Strip have passed a resolution declaring that Abbas's presidential term ends in January. They say he must call new elections in the coming days.

Abbas was elected to a four-year term in 2005. Abbas claims his term has since been extended until 2010.

Abbas and Hamas have been at odds since the Islamic militant group seized control of Gaza last year.

The refusal of Hamas to recognise his presidency would be a serious blow to diminishing hopes for reconciliation with Abbas's government.

Hamas representatives are set to travel to Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators. The Egyptians hope to bring the rival factions together for unity talks in November.