In Israel and the Occupied Territories, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has ruled out talks with Hamas for what he says was a plot on his life. Abbas dismissed the democratically elected Hamas-led government last week after Hamas forces seized control of Gaza. On Wednesday, Abbas said he had obtained footage of Hamas militants smuggling explosives meant for an attack. Abbas called Hamas “murderous terrorists, killers and coup seekers.” But he also warned Israel not to exploit the internal Palestinian conflict.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: “Our problems are not only with Hamas — I emphasize my rejection of any Israeli attempt aiming to take advantage of this disdain, perpetrated by the coup militants, to choke our people.”

Hamas immediately dismissed Abbas’ remarks and accused him of collaborating with Israel and the U.S.