Israel resumes building West Bank barrier segment

Israel resumed building one of the most controversial parts of its West Bank barrier, deep in occupied land, yesterday, in a move Palestinians said clouded new President Mahmoud Abbas's efforts to revive peacemaking.

Israel's attorney-general approved construction of the four-kilometre segment along a new route near the large Jewish settlement of Ariel after residents of the adjacent Palestinian village of Salfit petitioned a court against land expropriation.

"How we are going to convince our people and factions that we are trying to end Israeli occupation while Israel is imposing facts on the ground," Palestinian cabinet minister Saeb Erekat said.

"This will have a deep and negative impact on our efforts to reach a ceasefire."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wrapped up a week of truce talks with militants in Gaza yesterday without any formal agreement but with violence in the area sharply reduced.

"Differences have been narrowed down very much, and I hope to God that we reach a final agreement in the very near future," Mr Abbas told reporters.

Israel has built about a third of the planned 600-kilometre barrier, which it says is necessary to keep suicide bombers away from its cities.

The International Court of Justice has said it is illegal to construct the network of razor wire-tipped electronic fences and concrete walls on occupied land. Palestinians call the project a land grab aimed at denying them a viable state.