DAMASCUS - The Damascus-based Hamas movement sharply denounced Wednesday Israel's endorsement of building 1,100 settlements in east Jerusalem, and its decision to seize lands at Batir village in western Bethlehem.

In a statement obtained by Xinhua, Hamas said the two measures pose a "strong blow" for those who have betted on peace negotiations and the peace process, urging the Palestinian leadership to reconsider the stance and to work for carrying out a national reconciliation and building a united strategy to face the Israeli plans.

The Palestinian National Authority is seeking recognition of an independent state on territories that Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war, including the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza.

However, Damascus-based Palestinian factions, including Hamas, opposed the UN bid, saying the measure lacks national consensus.

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