German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday expressed support for Israel's policy in the wake of Hamas' surprise win in the Palestinian parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a press conference after her meeting with Acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem, Merkel said " Germany would not hold talks with Hamas until it recognizes Israel 's right to exist."

Merkel also said the European Union would not fund the Palestinian National Authority involving Hamas if the militant group did not renounce commitment to the destruction of the Jewish state.

Merkel is due to meet Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas when she visits the West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday, but she refuses to talk with Hamas leaders.

Merkel's 24-hour trip to Israel and the Palestinian territory makes her the first foreign leader to visit the region since Hamas ' sweeping victory in Jan. 25 elections, the first in a decade.

Hamas won 76 out of 132 seats in the Palestinian legislative council, while the ruling Fatah led by Abbas got 43 seats.

Olmert set three conditions in dealing with Hamas: the renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist and accept all the agreements signed by the Palestinian National Authority with Israel.

Israel, the EU and United States consider the Islamic resistance group as a terrorist organization.

The Quartet on the Middle East consisting of the U.S., UN, EU and Russia will meet in London on Monday to discuss the impact of Hamas win to the peace process.

Source: Xinhua