Gaza militants threaten attacks on Israel

Thirteen Palestinian militant groups have joined forces to step up attacks on Israel following the productive peace talks in Washington. The threat came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreed to meet every fortnight to structure a peace deal. A spokesman for Hamas, which was not involved in the talks, said 13 militant groups in the Gaza Strip would work together to launch more effective attacks against Israel. Asked if this included suicide bombings, he said: All options are open. Hamas has claimed responsibility for two shootings in the West Bank this week that killed four Israeli settlers and wounded two. Mr Netanyahu and Mr Abbas have been holding the first direct negotiations between the two parties in nearly two years. US Middle East envoy Senator George Mitchell said the first round of talks were held in good faith and with a seriousness of purpose. Calling the initial discussions long and productive, he added that the men have agreed to meet again on September 14 and 15 in the region - and then every two weeks.