Sources in PM's Office: Abbas' ties with Hamas hinder peace

Sources in the Prime Minister's Office said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' increasingly closer ties to Hamas are hindering peace.

The sources noted, however, that it is to early to draw conclusions based on Abbas' meeting with Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal. "For now it appears to have been a ceremonial gathering," one of the sources said. According to Israeli officials, both Jerusalem and Washington have warned Abbas against growing closer with the terror group. (Attila Somfalvi)