Israeli President Shimon Peres said Israel could negotiate with Hamas if the terrorist group renounced violence and recognised Israel.

During an address at a Christian conference today, President Peres said: "People ask about Hamas, why aren't we talking with Hamas?

“There is nothing wrong with that as long as we get an answer from them.

"We are willing to talk to Hamas, but they aren't. They must accept the Quartet conditions (part of the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict). These are not conditions set by us, but by the international community.

“[Hamas] must decide if they want peace or fire."

The statement comes a day after President Peres defended the approach of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to peace talks.