PLO calls for end to attacks against Israel

A top PLO decision-making body today called on Palestinian militants to halt attacks against Israel, charging that the violence gives Israel an excuse to carry out military operations.

The PLO Executive Committee issued its statement in Ramallah. It followed an attack late Thursday by militants at the Karni crossing between Gaza and Israel that left six Israeli civilians dead, setting off Israeli reprisal raids in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon cut off contacts with the regime of Mahmoud Abbas, sworn in yesterday as the successor to Yasser Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority.

Today, Mr Sharon authorised his military to step up its operations to stop the attacks, including rocket and mortar fire at Jewish settlements and Israeli towns outside Gaza.

In its statement, the PLO body called on militants to “stop all the military action that might harm our national goals and give the Israelis an excuse to obstruct Palestinian stability”.

A senior Israeli official downplayed the announcement, repeating Israeli policy that the Palestinians will be judged by their deeds, not their words.

Mr Abbas has spoken out against Palestinian violence but has turned down demands to confront the militant groups, preferring to negotiate a truce.