Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas held secret talks with leaders of militant groups, mainly the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Islamic Jihad (Holy War), in Gaza City Tuesday night, Palestinian sources said.

Abbas, who arrived here earlier in the day, held meetings with representatives of different factions and militant groups in the Gaza Strip to discuss the issue of halting attacks against Israel.

Shortly after Abbas' arrival, a militant of al Qassam Brigades,the armed wing of Hamas, blew himself up at an Israeli army barrier, killing one Israeli and wounding five others.

A Palestinian source close to Abbas, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that right after Abbas heard of the suicide bombing attack, he decided to hold secret meetings with leaders of militant groups.

"It is not reasonable that Abbas is in Gaza to hold a dialogue on reaching a ceasefire agreement, while militants are escalating their attacks against Israel, as if they want to embarrass him in front of the world," said the source.

Palestinian security sources said Abbas headed to an underground place to meet with leaders of militant groups, who are hiding to avoid Israeli air raids.

Source: Xinhua