EU backs away from closer Israeli ties

JERUSALEM, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The European Union has put the brakes on closer diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, citing the deadly Israeli military incursion into Gaza.

The head of an European Commission delegation to Israel, Ramiro Cibrian-Uzal, said forging closer ties with Israel while the Israelis pound away in Gaza is "not appropriate." Financial Times said it was the latest sign of international displeasure with Israel's offensive in which more 1,000 Palestinians have died.

Meanwhile, Egyptian officials said they made progress in cease-fire talks with a Hamas delegation, suggesting sides were close to a deal on a 10-day truce. The Islamic party controls the Gaza Strip.

Hamas said the Egyptians had yet to discuss the talks with Israel, but an official said the positions of Egypt and Hamas were getting closer, the Times reported.