Senior Islamic Jihad official Mohammed al-Hindi said Israel would have to agree to the Movement's conditions, such as stopping attacks and raids and freeing Palestinian prisoners, before it would consider halting attacks against Israelis. 
 

"We have said clearly and frankly that no cards can be given free for the Zionist enemy," he said. "Sharon wants to withdraw from Gaza in calm. If he wants calm, he has to pay the price".

The Movement denied reports earlier Friday that it had agreed in principle with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to a ceasefire.

Abu Abdullah, a leader in the Islamic Jihad's military wing, said the report was "false." "Talks are still underway between us and Mr. Mahmoud Abbas," Abu Abdullah said, according to The AP. Nafez Azzam, a top Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza, said the reports on truce were "not accurate."

© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)