Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Palestinian groups, meeting in Egypt, agreed in principle to halt attacks against Israel, the Israeli daily newspaper Ha'aretz reported, citing unidentified Palestinian officials at the talks.

The groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, are discussing how long the cease-fire will last, Ha'aretz said on its Web site. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, who joins the meeting today, wants a truce to last as long as possible so peace talks with Israel may begin. Hamas supports observing a short cease- fire, Ha'aretz cited the officials as saying. They didn't say how long any truce may last.

The Palestinian Authority and more than 12 groups are taking part in the talks that began yesterday in Egypt's capital, Cairo, and are scheduled to end on Saturday. The meeting is discussing whether to agree on a partial cease-fire halting attacks inside Israel or to offer a broader truce in return for concessions from Israel, Ha'aretz cited unidentified delegates as saying.

If a cease-fire is agreed in Cairo, ``it's certainly not out of the question that Israel will agree to restrain its military activity,'' Ha'aretz cited Deputy Defense Minister Ze'ev Boim as telling Israel Radio. The Israeli government has told the Palestinian Authority peace talks won't start until Palestinian groups stop attacking Israelis.

(Ha'aretz, 12-5)

See {HRTZ <GO>} for the Ha'aretz Web site.

Last Updated: December 4, 2003 19:32 EST