Hamas strongman in Gaza rejects unity deal

Senior Hamas figures in the Gaza Strip have harshly criticized the Islamic militant movement's exiled leader for signing a reconciliation deal with his political rival, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The rebellion against Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal appears unprecedented in tightly controlled Hamas.

The criticism is being leveled by Hamas figures in Gaza who would lose most from ending five years of separate Palestinian governments - Hamas in Gaza and Abbas in the West Bank. Under last week's agreement, Abbas would head an interim unity government until new elections are held.

Gaza strongman Mahmoud Zahar on Saturday was quoted as saying the deal was "wrong" and "strategically unacceptable."

Hamas legislator Ismail al-Ashkar said Sunday the agreement cannot stand as is.