- Atlanta - Boston - Chicago - DC Area - Houston - Jersey Area - Los Angeles - New York - SF Bay Area
- Earlier editions
- Astrology - Cricket - Money - Movies - Women - India News
- Rediff Chat - Rediff Bol - Rediff Mail - Home Pages
In a major development, the Israeli Army on Tuesday suspended all offensive operations against the Palestinians.
The ceasefire order was issued by Defence Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer, a defence ministry spokesman said.
The order followed Yasser Arafat's instructions to his police force to stop all anti-Israel action. He asked his officers not to act even in "self defence."
Both sides have been under pressure from the United States to work out a truce. Washington is trying to bring Arab and Muslim countries into an international anti-terror coalition it is forming in response to last week's attacks on the United States.
In Tuesday's announcement, Arafat said he was doing his utmost to enforce the ceasefire.
The UN envoy to the Middle East, Terje Roed-Larsen, also said he believed Arafat's attitude has changed.
"I think there's a strong belief on the Palestinian side that power is no longer in the barrel of a gun, that power now is based on diplomatic instruments to be used at the negotiating table," said Roed-Larsen.
However, a spiritual leader of the Islamic militant group Hamas said those siding with the United States against fellow Muslims are traitors.
Experts said the Israel-Palestine ceasefire is likely to boost US efforts to get Arab nations to participate in its anti-terrorism campaign, of which Afghanistan is the main target.
The Attack on America: The Complete Coverage
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
