The Israeli army began withdrawing its tanks from around Palestinian towns in the West Bank early Thursday following a deal to end the violence reached overnight, the military spokesman announced.
"The army has begun withdrawing the tanks and heavy materiel deployed around several localities and easing the blockade of the areas," General Ron Kitrey told army radio.
"Orders not to fire have also been transmitted to our units on the ground," he added.
The general also said that since the agreement was announced at 3:20 am (0120 GMT) Thursday, "no Palestinian firing has been reported for the moment."
"But we must wait and see if the ceasefire lasts, the Israeli army for its part is prepared for any eventuality," Kitrey said.
The deal was announced after former Israeli prime minister and Nobel peace laureate Shimon Peres held talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Gaza to try to end more than a month of violence – JERUSALEM (AFP)
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