Shaul Mofaz

The defense minister, Shaul Mofaz, said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has received assurances from at least two militant groups, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, that they will halt attacks on Israel for at least a month.

During this time, a more detailed agreement, including the terms of possible political participation of the opposition groups, would be negotiated, Mofaz said. He did not say how he learned about the cease-fire.

Mahmoud Abbas

Hamas officials sent mixed signals about the reported truce. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the group has agreed to a test period of 30 days. If Israel does not carry out military operations during this period, Hamas will consider an open-ended cease-fire, the official said.

But a second Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, denied any deal had been reached. "The things that Mofaz says, that we've reached a cease-fire, is not true. We're studying the subject," he said, adding that a final deal would depend on Israel halting its attacks on the group.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 29, 2005
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