Roadmap under threat as Hamas calls off truce talks

A SENIOR Hamas official yesterday said the militant group is breaking off talks with the Palestinian prime minister on halting attacks on Israelis, a surprise reversal that throws into doubt a key component of a US-backed Mideast peace plan.

As part of the US-backed “road map” to Palestinian statehood, the Palestinians have to rein in militants who have killed hundreds of Israelis in shootings and bombings during 32 months of fighting.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas has been trying to negotiate with the militias rather than use force, saying he wants to avoid civil war.