The Palestinians want Israel to sign on to a formal cease-fire, something it is reluctant to do while terrorist groups are still intact. But Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says Israeli officials are considering the proposal. "They did not reject this,” Erekat said. “They will give us the final answer next week." Abbas has left for visits to Jordan, Egypt, Switzerland, Russia and Turkey to win Arab and international backing for his cease-fire plan.