Abbas: Israel’s settlement expansion blocks relaunch peace talks

Abbas: settlements block relaunch of peace talks

UNITED NATIONS — The Palestinian president tells the U.N. General Assembly that Israel’s continued settlement expansion is blocking the resumption of Mideast peace talks.

President Mahmoud Abbas warned in Friday’s speech that “time is running out” for a peace deal.

Abbas has said he won’t return to negotiations without a settlement freeze. Israel refuses to halt construction, even though it is required to do so under an internationally backed peace blueprint.

The U.S. stepped up mediation efforts this week, in hopes of restarting talks. However, both Israelis and Palestinians remain entrenched in their positions. Abbas’ comments Friday suggested there is little hope for a breakthrough.