I seem to remember that there was another thread, somewhat recent, about a new ceasefire/truce being spoken of, but I cannot find it now on the first couple pages. So I'll start a new one for this instead..------------------------------------------------------
Last Update: 03/11/2003 00:43Hamas rules out truce with Israel, but may limit attacksBy Tsahar Rotem, Amos Harel and Arnon Regular, Haaretz Correspondents, Haaretz Service and AgenciesThe Islamic group Hamas ruled out on Monday a new unilateral suspension of attacks on Israel, saying it would be willing to limit attacks to Israeli soldiers and settlers if Israel stopped harming Palestinian civilians.
"The issue that will be possible to be addressed (with the Palestinian Authority) is continuing the resistance to the (Israeli)
occupation while avoiding civilian casualties," Hamas chief spokesman Abdel Aziz al-Rantissi told Reuters.
"But if the enemy (Israel) does not accept then resistance will continue comprehensively," he said.
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http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/356052.html------------------------------------------------------
Arafat Says He's Ready for Peace TalksSunday November 2, 2003 11:01 PM
By MARK LAVIE
Associated Press WriterJERUSALEM (AP) - Following an Israeli offer, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat said Sunday he is ready for peace talks, while about 6,000 Palestinians returned to jobs in Israel for the first time in a month.
In an abrupt turnaround last week, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said contacts were already underway with Palestinian officials, adding, ``We are ready to enter negotiations at any time.''
Sharon had previously conditioned talks on a crackdown on violent Palestinian groups responsible for attacks on Israelis.
Asked about Sharon's remarks, Arafat told reporters he would accept an offer for talks.
``There is no official communication, but we are ready,'' he said after meeting a delegation of Greek lawmakers at his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-3340587,00.html