A positive step

Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

A top PLO decision-making body called on Palestinian militants Sunday to halt attacks against Israel, charging that the violence gives Israel an excuse to carry out military operations. The PLO Executive Committee issued its statement in Ramallah. It followed a militant attack late Thursday at the Karni crossing between Gaza and Israel that left six Israeli civilians dead, setting off Israeli reprisal raids in Gaza. A senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, downplayed the announcement, repeating Israeli policy that the Palestinians will be judged by their deeds and not their words.

I am glad that the PLO is calling for an end to the attacks. It would be even nicer though if they were calling for an end to the attacks because they were wrong, not just because Israel hits back harder. Still, any positive sign is a reason for hope.