Hamas and Islamic Jihad reject Arafat's peace plea

The two main militant groups fighting for Palestinian independence from Israel have rejected Yasser Arafat’s call for an end to the 15-month-old Intefadeh (uprising).

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who between them have claimed responsibility for more than 30 suicide bombings in Israel, rejected Mr Arafat’s plea because, they said, Israel is offering nothing in return for a ceasefire.