DUBAI, Jan 16 (Reuters) - An Arab initiative for peace with Israel is "dead" and Arab countries should end all ties with the Jewish state, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Friday.

Speaking at an emergency meeting held for Gaza in Doha, Assad said "all direct and indirect" ties with Israel should be cut in protest at its offensive in Gaza.

"I consider the Arab initiative with Israel "dead", he said.

(Reporting by Lin Noueihed and John Irish)

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