New Hamas gov't to discuss 3-month emergency plan

The new Hamas government has prepared an emergency plan for its first three months of rule, and is to discuss it at its first Cabinet meeting Wednesday, the deputy Palestinian prime minister said. The new ministers need to find ways to make up for tens of millions of dollars in foreign aid the international community is expected to withhold, largely because of Hamas' refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence. Since taking power last week, leaders of the Islamic group have increasingly softened their statements, but have stopped short of meeting the international community's demands.