 Hamas officials said Monday they plan to appoint new judges in Gaza to replace those refusing to cooperate with the group. The appointments would be another step by Hamas to consolidate control over Gaza, following its violent takeover of the coastal strip in June. In the West Bank, a senior legal official appointed by Hamas' political rival, moderate Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, said such appointments are illegal. After Hamas' takeover of Gaza, Abbas ordered the police and prosecutors not to cooperate with Hamas, bringing the court system to a halt. |