The first hint of a debate emerged in recent weeks on whether the EU should re-examine its no-contact approach to Hamas, classified as a terrorist group.

WSJ: EU Faces Tests on Foreign Policy

Israel has no diplomatic relations with Hamas, which it deems a terrorist group.

WSJ: Israeli Truce With Gaza Militants Takes Hold

Both Israel and the US have insisted they will not deal with any side that includes Hamas, which they regard as a terrorist group.

BBC: Egypt urges US to back Palestinian state declaration

Mr Bush pressed the EU leaders to declare Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, a terrorist organisation.

ECONOMIST: Bridging the Atlantic gulf | The

The comments reflected the general tone that the U.S. has historically taken toward Hamas, which the United States and the European Union consider a terrorist group.

CNN: Bush blames Hamas for Gaza conflict

Both Israel and the United States consider Hamas a terrorist organization and have voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of the group in any unity government, demanding that it first renounce violence, recognize the state of Israel and abide by all previous agreements.

CNN: Obama announces 'new chapter' in U.S. Mideast diplomacy