Official: Ex-Hamas rep may head PNA govt.

RAMALLAH, West Bank, May 3 (UPI) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is considering having a former Hamas representative head up a PNA government in the West Bank, an official says.

The unidentified official said Abbas is considering asking Mahmoud Habbash, who cut ties with Hamas several years ago, to head a new Palestinian National Authority government due for the West Bank, The Jerusalem Post reported Sunday.

Habbash is currently serving as social welfare minister under Palestinian National Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

"President Abbas will first ask Fayyad to head the new government," the official said. "But if Fayad turns down the offer, the president will ask Habbash to form the government."

An anonymous source close to Abbas said the possible appointment of Habbash would serve as a political blow to Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Iran.

The Post said since leaving Hamas, Habbash has been a vocal opponent of the Islamic movement while also facing Hamas allegations he was expelled from the organization for alleged financial corruption.