He made the remarks after talks with officials of Fatah and other political parties represented in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) at the Gaza City home of Hamas parliamentary leader Mahmoud al-Zahar.

"I hope that Hamas would be able to form a national coalition cabinet including all parties and powers," Haneya said.The new round of talks was aimed at bringing closer the parties' opinions on the line-up of a Hamas-led new cabinet. "The atmosphere was open and relaxed, and the dialogue will continue today and tonight," Haneya said.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Friday gave Hamas another two weeks to form a cabinet until March 28, the same day as parliamentary elections in Israel.

Haneya would have to complete the formation of cabinet on Tuesday, three weeks after he was formally tasked by Abbas with forming a government on Feb. 21 following a Hamas stunning victory in the Jan. 25 parliamentary elections.