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Olmert Nixes Hamas Truce: 'This War Will Continue'
Says Palestinian militants must first cease attacks, recognize Israel
By Dustin Lushing
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Posted Dec 23, 07 12:19 PM CST
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(Newser)
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Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today refused to consider a truce with Hamas until the militant Palestinian group recognizes Israel and halts attacks in Gaza, reports the BBC. Olmert told government officials that Israel is gaining ground in stopping rocket attacks, of which 1,000 have hit Israel since Hamas seized power in June. "This war will continue," he said.
"The State of Israel has no interest in holding negotiations with those that refuse to accept the basic principles of the Quartet," Olmert said, referring to calls for peace from the US, EU, Russia, and the UN. Hamas, however, publicly denied reports that it was even seeking peace talks. "It is up to [Israel] because when they stop all their aggressions we will then discuss the issue," said a spokesman.