[28 January 2005] JERUSALEM,(Saba) - The Israeli army announced on Friday it was scaling back its operations in the Gaza Strip following the deployment of Palestinian security forces and would limit attacks on militants in the West Bank.

The army chief, Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, also said crossings into the Gaza Strip will be opened next week.

Abbas has urged Israel to hold its fire and to agree quickly to a cease-fire with militants who insist it must be mutual.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday conditions were right for a`historic breakthrough'on peace after measures taken by Abbas to bring calm.

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SABA