Arab nations on Thursday backed the Palestinian president’s refusal to immediately restart direct talks with Israel despite heavy pressure from the United States. The United States and the Europeans have been pushing a reluctant Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, to restart negotiations with Israel, which broke off in 2008. While the Arab foreign ministers endorsed the idea of direct talks, Prime Minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani of Qatar said they left the timing up to Mr. Abbas, who has laid down several conditions. The Arab foreign ministers also sent a letter to President Obama explaining the Arab position on direct negotiations and their requirements for talks. On Thursday, Mr. Abbas said he would require written assurances either from the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, or the Americans on borders and settlements to start the direct talks.