A top Hamas leader publicly disowned his son, days after the young man announced he had secretly spied for Israel and helped authorities hunt down members of the Islamic militant group.

The son of one of the founders of the Hamas militant group was exposed today as a top Israeli informant who helped prevent dozens of suicide bombings and other attacks.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is ready to honour the security commitments in an internationally backed peace plan, he said today, adding that he hopes to resume peace talks with Israel soon.

A senior Hamas leader indicated today that the militant group is halting attacks on Israelis while the Palestinians prepare to choose a new leader, the latest sign of change following the death of Yasser Arafat.