European and Arab leaders, meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday, called for a strengthening of the cease-fire announced by Israel Saturday night. On Sunday afternoon, Hamas and other Gaza terror groups announced that they will not fire at Israeli troops in Gaza for a week in order to let them leave.

Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak said, "There are the first signs of the end of the crisis in the Gaza Strip." Referring to efforts to stop the smuggling of weapons into Gaza, he added that his country would not allow an international presence on Egyptian soil. Those comments were supported by others in attendance, who also called for infusions of humanitarian aid for the Hamas-controlled area.

President Mubarak said his country intends to advance the Israeli-Arab peace process. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said now was the time to accelerate that process. A number of the European leaders proceeded to Israel for a dinner with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.