Abbas gets ceasefire promise from Hamas

Hamas militants said on Saturday they would hold fire against Israel while deciding whether to honor the cessation of hostilities declared at last week’s landmark summit in Egypt between Palestinian and Israeli leaders.

The announcement, essentially restoring a de facto cease-fire in place before the summit, marks a partial victory for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who met with militant leaders late Saturday in Gaza City to press them into halting further attacks on Jewish settlements. The talks carried urgency after Hamas fighters let loose with an extended barrage of rocket and mortar fire in the Gaza Strip two days after Tuesday’s summit in Sharm el Sheik.

Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar said his group is ‘‘committed to what is called ‘quietness.’’’ He added that Hamas would launch strikes against Israeli targets in retaliation for any perceived hostile acts by Israel.

The group said Thursday’s attack, which caused no injuries, was in response to the deaths of two Palestinians. Zahar said Hamas leaders will hold internal discussions during coming weeks to address concerns including their quest for more clout within Palestinian politics. —LAT-WP