Abbas says no peace talks until Israel reaches truce in Gaza

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday said he would not resume peace talks until Israel reaches a truce in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Abbas suspended US-backed peace talks earlier this week to protest Israel's crackdown in Gaza, and Rice has been trying to get the sides to resume negotiations during her current visit. "The negotiations must be started, but after the truce," Abbas said. "Once the truce is achieved the road will be open for negotiations." He said Rice told him she would send an envoy to Egypt, which often mediates between Israel and Hamas. "There are real efforts being exerted by Egypt for the truce," Abbas said.