Wed, Dec 15, 2004 - Page 6 News List

Israel offers early troop withdrawal

BILATERAL HOPE The Israeli defense minister said that cooperation by the Palestinians could be rewarded with overall consultation on withdrawal from the Gaza Strip

AP , HERZLIYA, ISRAEL

The road map, which aims for establishment of an independent Palestinian state next year, has been stalled since Israel and the Palestinians signed it in June last year amid violations by both sides.

Abbas has been trying to persuade Hamas to agree to a truce to help restart peace talks.

Hamas has not given Abbas any guarantees. However, it has limited its attacks to the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, as part of what appears to be a tacit agreement not to carry out bombings inside Israel.

At the same time, Hamas and other militants have stepped up attacks on Israeli soldiers and settlers in Gaza in recent months.

Palestinian leaders did not condemn Sunday's bombing; attacks on Israeli soldiers in the West Bank and Gaza are widely considered legitimate by Palestinians, including those who oppose shootings and bombings inside Israel.

This story has been viewed 2497 times.
TOP top