GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip ? Israel killed a Hamas militant Monday in its sixth missile strike in two weeks, while the Palestinian government renewed truce talks with the Islamic militants.

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz promised a war “to the bitter end” against Hamas, and the Israeli Cabinet reiterated there would be no progress on the U.S.-backed peace plan unless the Palestinian Authority takes action against the militants.

Israel’s army chief, Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon also told the Cabinet he was prepared to launch a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip if necessary, according to a statement.

Also Monday, Palestinian officials trying to mediate between veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and his beleaguered prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas, said the two were no longer on speaking terms.