Abbas Tries To Convince Factions To End Fighting With Israel

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud ‘Abbas told the Associated Press on Monday that he was trying to convince the various factions in the P.A. to initiate a cease-fire with Israel. ‘Abbas want to see a one-month stand-down implemented during which time negotiations for a comprehensive truce would be held. Israel is not enthusiastic, contending that a truce would merely be an opportunity for the Palestinians to regroup and rearm. Egypt is encouraging both the Palestinians and Israelis to halt the fighting that is says allows Israel to press its point that there is no one with whom to negotiate on the Palestinian side. A gun battle on Tuesday morning between Israeli troops that crossed into the Gaza Strip and Palestinians left two Hamas fighters dead.