Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal said in an interview with French daily Figaro that the price for peace was Israel's total withdrawal from Palestinian Territories.

"The price to pay is the complete withdrawal from the occupied territories, the immediate end of violence and recognition of the legitimate rights of Palestinians," he told Figaro in its Wednesday edition.

"I can guarantee to you that Hamas and behind it, all the Palestinians, will be ready for serious steps based on justice and equity with a view to permanent peace with the Israelis," he said, putting forward such conditions as Israel's evacuation from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, its recognition of refugees' right of return and the dismantlement of its separation barrier.

"Unfortunately we have seen nothing of the kind until now," he added.

The Palestinian parliament gave their backing on Tuesday to a new Palestinian government led by Hamas.

Source: Xinhua