The move shows "the will of Israeli and Palestinian leaders to meet the demands of the international community (to end the violence)," the spokesman said.

Israeli troops are set to pull out of parts of the Gaza Strip on Monday under a deal reached with the Palestinian Authority, Israeli public and army radio announced.

They are also due to withdraw from the West Bank town of Bethlehem although it is not clear on what date.

Yakovenko praised the efforts of Palestinian prime minister Mahmud Abbas to resolve the conflict as well as the "important role" played by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat who had adopted a "constructive position" towards the Middle East roadmap for peace.

WAR.WIRE