A Palestinian security official prevents bystanders from accessing the site of an Israeli airstrike on motorcycle in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Medical official Ashraf al-Kidreh says the airstrike targeted two men riding a motorcycle, but that the missile missed its target and wounded three bystanders. The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, saying "a hit was not identified." (AP Photo/Adel Hana)
April 24, 2014 - 8:09 AM
JERUSALEM - The Israeli government says it has decided to halt peace talks with the Palestinians in response to a new unity agreement between rival Palestinian factions.
The decision appears to end a nine-month peace initiative by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The negotiating period is scheduled to end next Tuesday, though the sides had been trying to agree to an extension.
Israel's Security Cabinet unanimously decided to cut off contacts after a five-hour meeting Thursday. They announced the decision in a statement sent to journalists.
Israel is furious over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' decision to form a unity government with the rival Hamas movement after a seven-year rift.
Israel and the West consider Hamas a terrorist group.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014