The Palestinian Authority (PA) has reportedly released at least 12 members of the Islamic Hamas movement in the West Bank.

The Monday move brought to 40 the number of Hamas-affiliated prisoners who have been released.

The measure was in line with an order from the acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas earlier in August which pledged to release 200 Hamas members.

Hamas has, however, commented that it was "too early" to judge the decision. The resistance demands the release of all its members held captive in the West Bank prisons and considers the measure as a step towards reconciliation with the rival Fatah movement.

Rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, have been at odds since the resistance movement took control of the Gaza Strip in mid-June.

Hamas says the takeover was aimed at preventing a coup by some elements inside the Palestinian Authority and Fatah party against the government of Prime Minister Ismail Haniya — who came to power after wining the 2006 general elections.

(Press TV)