Palestinian militant groups reject new round of Israel talks

DAMASCUS - Eleven militant Palestinian groups based in Syria Sunday warned against a “concession and compromise” policy ahead of a possible round of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The message from the groups, which include the Gaza-controlling Hamas movement as well as the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine factions appeared directed at Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas is believed to be under pressure to enter direct negotiations with Israel, after months of US-brokered proximity talks between the sides.

Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal said that the factions’ representatives issued the statement after discussions held at his house in the Syrian capital and that they rejected all forms of compromise with Israel.

The US and the “Zionists”, a statement said, were “aiming at wiping out the national rights of the Palestinians and to cover up the practices of the occupation, settlement expansion and Judaizing the land”.

Abbas has said he will not agree to direct talks with Israel without a complete halt to settlement building, agreement on final borders and a timetable for a deal.