Pull-out boosts hopes of ceasefire

Hopes for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rose today when Israeli troops completed their pullout from Bethlehem and the northern Gaza Strip.

Israel was responding to American pressure towards meeting Palestinian conditions for formal ceasefire talks.

The Palestinians have repeatedly said there can be no move towards a ceasefire or talks until the Israelis pull back from all areas.

The withdrawal came during a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney, who had meetings scheduled with Israeli officials but not with Palestinians, an issue which has angered the Palestinian leadership.

The Israeli government decided to pull back after a rare joint session of Israeli and Palestinian security chiefs, drawn together by General Anthony C Zinni who, as the Bush administration's envoy, is pushing hard for a truce after two previous attempts failed.

Earlier this month Israel made its most sweeping military assault in the occupied territories for 35 years, entering Palestinian towns across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The Israelis have been accused of using "excessive force" during the incursion, in which 180 Palestinians died, including several doctors and medical workers, and the Israelis left a trail of destruction in civilian areas. The Israelis said they were hunting for militants and munitions factories after suicide attacks.

Palestinian security officials believe they will be able to persuade the Fatah and Fatah-related organizations to cease fire, but admit they will have difficulties with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

? An Israeli army officer was killed and three soldiers were injured when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire today at an army encampment in the Jordan Valley. Both gunmen were shot dead.