Abbas: al-Qaida Now in West Bank, Gaza

JERUSALEM (AP) - Al-Qaida has spread to the West Bank and Gaza Strip and its operations there could have dire consequences for the entire region, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said in an interview published Thursday. Israel said it was stepping up its campaign against the terror network.

South Africa, meanwhile, said it has invited the leaders of Hamas for talks as the militant group prepares to take over the Palestinian parliament, yet another blow to Israel's efforts to isolate the militant group. No timetable has been set for the visit, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told The Associated Press.

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