Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas tried for three hours on Sunday to convince numerous Palestinian factions to accept a plan drawn up by Palestinian leaders serving time in Israeli jails that indirectly recognizes Israel. ‘Abbas has issued an ultimatum to the majority Hamas members of the government to accept the plan within ten days or hold a public referendum on the issue next month. On Saturday, Hamas rejected the ultimatum. Most western nations have cut off support for the Palestinian Authority because it refuses to recognize Israel, foreswear violence and accept agreements entered into by previous governments. One result has been a severe economic crisis that is said to be paralyzing the P.A. The ‘prison plan’ was intended to satisfy the international community so that it will resume funding while the Palestinians are not seen as abandoning their aspirations. Israel’s government has not commented on the plan. ‘Abbas and the factions have agreed to hold intense talks for ten days in order to solve the issue of recognition of Israel as well as a number of domestic matters.