Israeli and Palestinian officials say they hope the summit will mark an end to more than four years of bloodshed. "I hope that a cease-fire will be declared, a halt to all violent acts," Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres told Army Radio. Mahmoud Abbas said he has already persuaded militants to halt attacks, and now the ball is in Israel’s court. "We have announced a cease-fire, and the Israelis should announce one also," he said. However, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is reluctant to formally declare a cease-fire while terrorist groups remain intact.