Ramallah, West Bank ? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday he will call a referendum on a political plan that would implicitly recognize Israel even though the governing Hamas party firmly opposes such a vote.

Abbas’ office made the announcement after he failed in last-ditch talks to persuade the Islamic militant group to accept the principle of a Palestinian state alongside Israel in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem – land Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

The idea implies recognition of Israel and the moderate Abbas has endorsed the plan as a way out of crippling financial sanctions imposed on the Hamas-led government over its refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

Hamas, which has said the referendum is not legal, reacted angrily to Abbas’ threats Monday and said there should be further talks.