Palestinians Agree To Another Ceasefire

Not with Israel. But between their own warring factions.

Abbas, speaking to journalists, said that "from 11:00 pm (2100 GMT), there will be a return to complete calm that will allow us to return to our business and to take care of our people."

The agreement "will be applied in Gaza to put an end to the armed presence, to shooting and to chaotic military deployments."

Prime minister Ismail Haniya later confirmed the ceasefire.

"We have an agreement, which we welcome, and we insisted in the presence of the head of the (Jeddah-based) Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, that it be respected," Haniyeh told a news conference.

"Interior ministry services will oversee the implementation of this agreement tonight and we hope that our people will wake up tomorrow and find a better situation so that we can settle the current crisis," he added.

Abbas said the deal had been hammered out "after contacts with friendly countries and friendly leaders, such as (Jordanian) King Abudullah II."

Officials in Amman had announced earlier that the king had phoned Abbas and offered to host a meeting between him and the Hamas premier to defuse the crisis.

Only a few minor deaths are expected before the next ceasefire. No more than 100 or so. Palestinian ceasefires traditionally have left out the "cease" part when informing the populace of the agreement. But the media reliably informs us of each one.