Palestine announces new truce after the previous broken down within 1 day

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-20-2006 11:28

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced a new truce to end the fighting in Gaza. It came into force on Tuesday at 11:00 PM local time, or 21:00 GMT, after a day that saw continued violence in the Palestinian territories.

It is unclear whether the new ceasefire will hold. A previous one between Hamas and Fatah broke down within just one day.

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President said, "I hope to God that after 11 o'clock tonight, a full and concrete calm, so we can pay attention to the more important things, so we can discuss our matters and our future."

Earlier on Tuesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Isamil Haneya of Hamas also called for an end to the infighting between the Hamas and Fatah factions.

Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haneya said, "As my responsibility, religion and faith demand, I assure this nation that the Palestinian people will stay united against the occupation and will not be engaged in internal disputes."

Tuesday saw continued violence in the territories.At least 5 people were killed and 18 wounded, including five school children caught in the crossfire.

Prime Minister Haneya reiterated that Hamas rejected Abbas' election call, describing it as a "coup" backed by the United States.

A Fatah cabinet minister criticized the prime minister's rejection, warning that Palestinians were on the edge of civil war.

"Two major things were not answered. One is that we are slipping towards a civil war. We need a political decision that there should be no fighting between brothers and that means that we have to transcend to the needs of the people." Expressed Abdullah Abdullah, a Palestinian cabinet menber.

The internal fighting erupted last week. It intensified after Abbas announced on Saturday, he was seeking new elections, a direct challenge to Hamas' control of the Cabinet and parliament.

Editor:Ji Xuewen