Israel is to reopen the Palestinian territories, starting with the town of Jericho in the West Bank. Israeli public radio reported that the move is in line with decisions taken at last Wednesday's meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat.
Mr Peres and Mr Arafat agreed on a ceasefire which has since been repeatedly broken. Last night, the Israeli security cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, met and decided to continue to apply the ceasefire for at least 48 hours. Israeli radio reported, however, that if breaches continued after that period the army would be given free rein to reply.
