Israel has halted the peace talks in the wake of Wednesday’s decision by Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas to sign a reconciliation agreement.
Following a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement saying: “The cabinet today unanimously decided that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas, a terrorist organisation that calls for Israel’s destruction.
“In addition, Israel will respond to unilateral Palestinian action with a series of measures.”
These responses could include speeding up the construction of settlements or suspending tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority.
