The Palestinians almost completely stopped firing Qassam rockets into Israel over the weekend. On Friday three rockets were fired and none were fired Saturday. Palestinians have denied the existence of an official decision to stop the firing. However, they added that the intention was to reach a comprehensive deal soon on the establishment of a technocrat cabinet without Hamas leaders, and to obtain the agreement of the United States to lift the economic siege on the Palestinian Authority.

The deal reportedly includes the release of Gilad Shalit in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners including Hamas ministers, and a general cease-fire.

Palestinian sources told Haaretz that an understanding had been reached between Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that the new government would be established within three weeks. Former prime minister Ahmed Qureia is to arrive Monday in Gaza as Abbas' representative to talks with the various factions on who will serve as prime minister. Leading the short list for the office is Mohammed Shabir, the former president of the Islamic University in Gaza, who does not belong to any organization and studied for some years in the U.S. They will also discuss the PA unity government guidelines and the creation of a list of individuals from among whom the ministers of the next cabinet will be chosen.

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At a ceremony Saturday at the Muqata in Ramallah marking the second anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat, Abbas told the crowd of thousands that he hoped the new government would be established by the end of the month.

At a press conference called by Haniyeh Friday in Gaza, he said he had agreed with Abbas on the guidelines for the new government, which he said would be based on the "prisoners document." Haniyeh said his government would not be willing to give anything up in negotiations; however, Hamas would not ask for ministerial portfolios in the new government so economic sanctions would be removed from the PA.

MK Mohammed Barakeh (Hadash) said Saturday in Ramallah that the lives of Israelis would not improve "as long as our lives were the price. The security of your children is tied to the security of our children." He hinted to the Palestinians that he was opposed to Qassam fire.

"Opposition is a way to reach a free state and not a goal in itself."