Both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government seem to be taking concrete steps towards re-starting peace negotiations and reaching a cease fire agreement.

The Palestinian Authority took another step forward towards reducing violence from terrorist groups today when it banned civilians from carrying weapons. Despite the ban, many members of militant groups openly carried their weapons as a sign of defiance against the PA and newly elected president Mahmoud Abbas.

Meanwhile, Israel has agreed in principle today to a cease fire with Palestinian militant groups. Asaf Shariv, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon indicated, 'I don't know if a cease-fire is the right wording,' he said. 'If there is quiet on the Palestinian side, Israel will respond with quiet.'

Palestinian terrorist groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad have indicated they would agree to a temporary cease fire if Israel halts military operations in the West Bank and Gaza including the targeted assassinations of terrorist leaders. Both the PA and the Israeli government are hoping to end four years of bloodshed that began with the violence of the second intifadah in September 2000.

A senior Palestinian official also indicated that Israel has agreed to release as many as 900 Palestinian prisoners from its jails according to the 'Jerusalem Post.' The release of prisoners would be a great benefit to Abbas as it would be tangible evidence that peaceful negotiations can lead to results.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon indicated he was pleased with Mr. Abbas's efforts thus far. 'I am very satisfied with what I am hearing is happening on the Palestinian side and I am very interested in advancing processes with him,' Sharon said.

As a result of the actions of Mr. Abbas and Mr. Sharon's positive response, peace many have renewed hope for peace negotiations to resume in the region.