Ramallah, West Bank ? In a bold initiative, the Palestinian president gave Hamas 10 days to accept the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, saying Thursday he’ll submit the plan to a referendum by mid-July if the Islamic militants refuse.

Mahmoud Abbas’ surprise announcement is a political gamble that could either help resolve the Palestinians’ internal deadlock or lead the Hamas-led government and Fatah into a deeper crisis.

Abbas asked Hamas to endorse a document drawn up by senior Palestinian militants imprisoned in Israel. It accepts statehood in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem – territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War.

Approving the document would imply recognition of Israel – one of the three conditions imposed by Israel and the West for doing business with the Hamas-led government.

The document falls short of meeting the other two conditions – renouncing violence and accepting past peace accords – so it was unclear if the international boycott would be called off even if Hamas acquiesced.

However, a referendum, which Palestinian pollsters expect to pass, could provide cover for the militants to become more moderate without appearing to succumb to Western pressure.

Such a vote also could renew pressure on Israel to return to the negotiating table rather than impose borders on the Palestinians.

As Abbas outlined his proposal, violence again erupted in Gaza.

A group of policemen on their way back from the funeral of a top security commander in Gaza City clashed with a newly formed Hamas militia and one of the officers was wounded, security officials said.

At nightfall, three officers in the presidential guard were shot and wounded on patrol in Gaza City, officials said. They said the gunfire came from the direction of a Hamas militia unit. In the last week, 10 people have been killed in clashes between Hamas and Abbas’ Fatah Party.

Fatah and Hamas leaders met for talks in Ramallah and Gaza to defuse the crisis, and Abbas used the opportunity to challenge Hamas to adopt a program that implies recognition of Israel or to let the people decide.