In an interview with the Jordanian daily newspaper al-Dustur, Abbas said he is against an armed conflict now, but that stance could change in the future, depending on circumstances, Ynetnews.com reported Thursday.

Abbas said he demands a unity government that includes Hamas be formed to negotiate with Israel.

"Hamas entered an election based on the Oslo Accords, which recognize Israel. I am not the only one pushing for such recognition, the Arab initiative -- which is a consensus in the Arab and Muslim world -- calls for it as well," he said in the interview.

Abbas also told al-Dustur the Palestine Liberation Organization taught him "how to resist, when resistance is most effective and when it is not."