Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Tuesday declares to halt military action against the Palestinians after he agreed with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to a mutual ceasefire.

"During talks with Abbas, we agreed to stop over four years of violence. Israel will cease its military activities against all Palestinians anywhere," Sharon said at the close of the one-day summit in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

"Today we are moving toward goal of peaceful, dignified, quiet lives for all nations in the Middle East," Sharon said in a statement, while Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Abbas were listening to.

"We hope that today we are starting a new period of hope," he added.

"I assure you that we have a genuine intention to respect your right to live independently and in dignity. Israel has no desire to continue to govern over you and control your fate," Sharon said, referring to the roadmap peace plan or a two-state solution to the conflict accepted by both the Palestinians and Israel.

He also urged all parties concerned not to allow violence to sabotage the new opportunity for achieving just and comprehensive peace.

"We in Israel have to painfully wake up from our dreams, and we're determined to overcome all the obstacles which might stand in our path in order to realize the new chance which we have created,"said Sharon.

Source: Xinhua