Peace talks threatened by new Gaza violence

Palestinians today threatened to call off peace talks with Israel after 33 Gazans, at least half of them civilians, were killed in violence that escalated sharply during the day.

The death toll climbed as Israeli troops, backed by tanks and aircraft, went after Palestinian militants who fired 40 rockets and mortars at southern Israeli communities near Gaza.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia said Palestinian leaders, including President Mahmoud Abbas, recommended suspending peace talks at a meeting in the West Bank town of Ramallah today.

“I think it will be suspended,” Qureia said.

“What is happening in Gaza is a massacre of civilians,” Qureia added. “We can’t bear what the Israelis are doing, and what the Israelis are doing doesn’t lend the peace process any credibility.”