Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will confront leaders of Gaza militant groups today, demanding they observe the ceasefire with Israel.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas sacked his top Gaza security commanders today after militants fired dozens of mortar shells and home-made rockets at Jewish settlements, in violation of a new cease-fire with Israel.

Israel will transfer security control over several West Bank towns to the Palestinians in coming days, Israel’s defence minister said today, hours after he met with a Palestinian negotiator to work out the details of Israel’s troop redeployment.

PALESTINIAN militants are sending “very positive” signals that they are ready for a ceasefire with Israel, a top aide to the Palestinian prime minister has said.