GAZA, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas on Wednesday called for a suspension of talks to forge a unity government in the wake of Israeli shelling of a Gaza town that killed 18 civilians.

He made his remarks during an emergency cabinet meeting in Gaza. President Mahmoud Abbas had expressed hope that a unity coalition between his Fatah movement and the rival governing Hamas militant movement could be created soon.

Palestinians hope a unity government will lead to a lifting of Western sanctions imposed on the Hamas government over its refusal to recognise Israel.

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