Rejection of Sharon’s truce proposal. ‘Palestinians lost no time in branding Sharon’s truce

proposal a “trick” designed to divert international

criticism of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories.

They said calm can only be restored after Israel halts

settlement construction.

Israel’s truce offer came a day after an international

commission, headed by former U.S. Sen. George

Mitchell, published its recommendations [overview here from CNN] for ending eight

months of fighting and restarting peace talks.’ MSNBC