Palestinian forces told to curb militant attacks
Abbas tell security forces to clamp down after surge in violence

GAZA - The Palestinian security forces have been instructed to try to prevent attacks against Israel, a Palestinian minister said after a Cabinet meeting Monday.

The new Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, is under growing pressure to take action against militants after six Israeli civilians were killed in an attack last week. Israel suspended ties with Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Abbas in a phone call Sunday to rein in the armed groups.

“There are intensified instructions to the Palestinian security forces to assume their responsibilities,” Communications Minister Azzam al-Ahmed told reporters after Monday’s Cabinet meeting. Asked whether this included trying to prevent attacks, he said: “For sure.”

“We have a decision to stop the cycle of violence,” al-Ahmed said.

“The attacks by the Palestinian side must come to an end, but Israeli military operations must also end,” he said.

Israel's mixed policy
Earlier Monday, Israel decided to hold off on a major military offensive in the Gaza Strip to give Abbas more time to act against militants.