Jerusalem - Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians hit a new impasse yesterday over a surprise Israeli decision to delay a further West Bank land withdrawal, apparently giving priority to peace talks with Syria which are set to resume this week.
The delay was sharply criticised by Palestinian leaders as a violation of signed accords and also provoked condemnation from members of the Israeli cabinet.
The US and Israel last night played down a report by an official Syrian news agency which cast doubt on starting the next round of talks next Wednesday, as had been agreed last week.
