Palestinian militants agree truce with Israel

PALESTINIAN militant groups agreed yesterday to a truce with Israel until the end of this year on condition that Israel halts violence against Palestinians and frees prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called the statement by Palestinians following a summit in Cairo "a positive first step."

A statement from Mr Sharon's office said he made the remarks to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who called Mr Sharon to fill him in on the talks between the Palestinian factions.