As Jack Straw continued his visit to the Middle East, senior EU officials revealed they have made contact with the Hamas terrorist organisation.

The move, disclosed by Brussels foreign policy chief Javier Solana, runs contrary to British policy.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Solana said the talks had taken place "months" ago.

"I have had contact with Hamas but not in the last few days," he said.

His message had been that if Hamas wanted to hep the Palestinians they should end violence and become a political party.

Solana said his message had been "very clear" and suggested that a ceasefire was a "possibility".

He later issued a further statement, clarifying that the contact had not been direct.

But the disclosure appeared to wrongfoot the British government, which is opposed to talks with Hamas while its terror campaign continues.

The foreign secretary said he would discuss the developments with Solana.

"The position of the British government is very clear, which is that we do not have dealings with Hamas or organisations like that," he told Today.

"They are banned in the United Kingdom and prohibited across Europe."

"What these organisations have to do if they want to take part in discussions is to renounce violence, and that is very clear," Straw added.

"The important thing here in Israel and the occupied territories is that there is a moment of new opportunity."

Straw gave an upbeat assessment of hopes for renewed peace talks, saying the death of Yasser Arafat and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza were key factors.

Israeli politicians had "got the message" that there was a renewed drive for peace, he added.