The Hamas-led Palestinian cabinet Saturday called for a cease-fire with Israel but Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert rejected the proposal by Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. Olmert will not agree to a truce until Hamas releases the captured Israeli soldier, officials in Olmert's office said.
Earlier, an Israeli Cabinet minister said Israel hopes the fighting, which has killed some 40 Palestinians and an Israeli soldier, eventually will lead to a broader cease-fire deal.
On Saturday, Haniyeh issued a five-point cease-fire proposal, calling on Israel to halt its offensive and free prisoners. "If we want to get out of the current crisis, it is necessary to return to calm, on the basis of a mutual halt to all military operations," said a statement issued by Cabinet spokesman Ghazi Hamad in Haniyeh's name.
Hamas also urged Israel to open negotiations over the fate of the soldier, Gila Shalit, 19.
