'Furious' Israel Yanks Peace Talks

Move follows Hamas, Fatah decision to reunite

By Newser Editors and Wire Services

Posted Apr 24, 2014 11:07 AM CDT

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'Furious' Israel Yanks Peace Talks — Senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad, left, talks to Gaza's Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh during a press conference after the announcement of an agreement between the two Palestinian groups. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)

The Israeli government says it has decided to halt peace talks with the Palestinians in response to yesterday's unity agreement between rival Palestinian factions, abruptly ending the nine-month peace initiative brokered by Secretary of State John Kerry. The negotiating period had been set to end next Tuesday, though both sides had been trying to agree to an extension.

Israel's Security Cabinet unanimously decided to cut off contacts after a five-hour meeting today. It announced the decision in a statement sent to journalists. Israel is furious over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to form a unity government with the rival Hamas movement after a seven-year rift. Israel and the West consider Hamas a terrorist group.

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