Hamas denies naming new leader

GAZA, April 28 (UPI) -- The Islamic movement Hamas denied reports Wednesday Mahmoud Al-Zahar had been named the new Hamas leader in Gaza, succeeding Abdel Aziz Rantisi.

"The Israeli media has fabricated these false reports," Hamas said in a communique. "The movement is committed to not disclosing the name of its new leader."

Israeli reports said Tuesday Hamas named Al-Zahar as a successor to Rantisi, who was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike April 17.