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Olmert Nixes Hamas Truce: 'This War Will Continue'

Says Palestinian militants must first cease attacks, recognize Israel

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 23, 2007 12:19 PM CST

(Newser) – 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.

A Palestinian Hamas supporter wears a mask during the funeral for a Hamas militant in the Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 21, 2007. At least five Palestinian militants were killed in an Israeli army raid in the central Gaza Strip Thursday, Palestinian and Israeli sources said. (AP...
A Palestinian Hamas supporter wears a mask during the funeral for a Hamas militant in the Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Dec. 21, 2007. At least five Palestinian militants were killed...   (Associated Press)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is seen during a ceremony opening a new part of a highway, near the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Jerusalem to continue formal peace talks. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is seen during a ceremony opening a new part of a highway, near the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007. Israeli and Palestinian negotiating...   (Associated Press)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday ruled out cease-fire talks with Hamas, calling Israel's battle against the Islamic militant group a true war. (AP Photo/Jim Hollander, pool)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday ruled out cease-fire talks with Hamas, calling Israel's...   (Associated Press)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gestures during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Israel has dispatched an unscheduled delegation of intelligence officials to the U.S. to try to convince it that Iran is still trying to develop nuclear weapon, contrary to the findings of a...
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gestures during the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007. Israel has dispatched an unscheduled delegation of intelligence officials to the U.S....   (Associated Press)
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