Palestinian Militants to Keep Truce with Israel, No Word on Ceasefire

Two top Palestinian militant groups say they will maintain an undeclared truce with Israel, but have not made a final decision on a formal ceasefire.

Leaders from Hamas and Islamic Jihad made their announcements after talks Saturday with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas says Israeli actions will dictate whether it will accept a ceasefire. Islamic Jihad says Israel has met some of the demands of the Palestinian people and that a ceasefire decision will come soon.

Mr. Abbas has warned militants against breaking a ceasefire he announced last week with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Earlier Saturday, Israel said it will let 55 exiled Palestinian terror suspects return to the West Bank -- a major Palestinian demand. It also announced that an Israeli army pullout from the West Bank town of Jericho will begin this week.