Hamas leader signals it has halted attacks on Israelis

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.

Sheik Hassan Yousef, the group’s top leader in the West Bank, said Hamas also would consider a formal truce with Israel. Hamas has carried out dozens of suicide bombings and other attacks, killing hundreds of Israelis during four years of fighting.

Since Arafat’s death, there has been a sharp drop in violence. The Palestinians have turned their attention to presidential elections on January 9, while Israel has curtailed its military activity and made a series of gestures meant to ensure that the vote goes smoothly.

“In the current situation, many political and militant groups have halted their attacks. They are waiting and exploring the new era,” said Yousef, who was recently released from an Israeli prison after serving a 28-month sentence.

He also said that Hamas would consider a formal ceasefire, if Israel reciprocates. He said Israel must be prepared to release Palestinian prisoners, withdraw from occupied land and stop targeted killings of militants.

“The truce should have a price,” he said. “There is no truce from one side. The truce should be two-way. But a truce with continued Israeli aggression is not acceptable to us.”

The interim Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, has been highly critical of the armed uprising against Israel, and met with rival groups like Hamas in hopes of reaching a ceasefire. Abbas was to hold more talks with militant groups on Wednesday.