The Israeli government has called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to continue direct negotiations.

Earlier on Saturday, the executive committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization held a meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah, where they issued a statement.

It said that direct talks with Israel will not resume unless it halts the building of Jewish settlements on occupied land. Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev says Israel has called on Abbas not to quit the talks.

Mark Regev, Isreali Government Spokesman, said, "We understand that the Palestinians have concerns. Israel also has concerns. And the only way to bridge gaps is through talking, and that's what we must do. And that is why we've called upon President Abbas and the Palestinian leadership to continue with the direct talks, that's the only way to build peace."