Haniyeh's staff ill after opening envelope

Ramallah: Seven people from Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh's office have been hospitalised after opening a letter containing an unknown substance, government and hospital officials said.

Several people lost consciousness after the envelope, which contained tissue paper, was opened.

The envelope, postmarked Tel Aviv, was addressed to the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Naser Al Shaer told a press conference.

Seven people were admitted to hospital for treatment. "They said they inhaled gas after opening an envelope," a doctor said, adding, "They have breathing difficulties and eye and nose irritation."

Shaer said letters addressed to Haniyeh are usually opened in the prime minister's office in the West Bank city of Ramallah before being forwarded to him in Gaza.

"The prime minister has formed a committee to investigate and medical labs are checking the substance," he said.