DAMASCUS - A SENIOR exiled Hamas official has rejected any talk of a new truce with Israel unless all attacks on Gaza cease and the border crossings are reopened.

Mr Moussa Abu Marzouk has told The Associated Press in an interview in Damascus that Palestinian militants have a right to strike everywhere in Israel in response to its deadly assault on Gaza.

The number of casualties from Israel's three-day Gaza offensive rose on Monday to 315.

Mr Abu Marzouk called on Arab countries who have peace treaties with Israel to sever those ties, namely Egypt and Jordan. He also renewed accusations against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, saying he was collaborating with Israel against Hamas. -- AP