In response to the Friday night slaughter, the security mini-cabinet formally decided to end the unilateral ceasefire declared by Prime Minister Sharon. However, in light of Yasser Arafat\'s claim shortly afterwards that he would work towards a ceasefire, the government is allowing a \"few hours\" to see if his words are backed up by actions. Following the bombing, the IDF strengthened its closure on Arab towns in Judea, Samaria and Gaza strip. All Palestinian workers inside Green Line Israel were ordered to return to their homes, whether or not they had valid work permits. It was further decided to close the Allenby bridge, bordering Jordan, as well as its Rafiach Egyptian-border crossing. All VIP passes allowing free travel for PA seniors have been canceled, and many European diplomats in PLO-controlled Gaza have left in fear of Israel\'s retaliation.



The Cabinet convened for its weekly meeting this morning, after the security mini-cabinet - Prime Minister Sharon, Foreign Minister Peres, and Defense Minister Ben-Eliezer - met to discuss the latest military and diplomatic developments. It is assumed that a military response is still not planned, partly because of Arafat\'s announcement, and party because there has been a mass \"exile\" of PA leaders into hiding in fear of the Israeli response.