Israel and some Palestinian militant groups say they are willing to observe a cease-fire, if certain conditions are met.
The Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, the armed wing of the Fatah movement, said Saturday it would agree to a truce if Israel promises to release Palestinian prisoners and stop military operations, including raids to make arrests, and targeted killings of Palestinian militants. Other groups have made similar comments.
For its part, Israel signaled it could ease military operations against Palestinian gunmen if they halt attacks against Israelis.
The conciliatory messages follow efforts by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to persuade militants to end their campaign of anti-Israeli attacks so he can negotiate for a Palestinian state on Israeli-occupied lands.
Some information provided for this report by AP, Reuters and AFP.