Abbas gives Hamas 10 days to recognise Israel or face referendum

PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas presented a stern challenge to Hamas yesterday, calling on the ruling militant group to back a Palestinian proposal that recognises Israel or face a referendum on the issue.

In a surprise move on the first day of a two-day ‘national dialogue’ designed to resolve differences between Hamas and his Fatah movement, Mr Abbas gave delegates 10 days to reach agreement on the plan or face a popular vote.

“If you do not reach an agreement (in 10 days), I would like to tell you frankly that I will put this document to a referendum,” Mr Abbas told the delegates.