PA calls for mutual ceasefire

GAZA, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A senior Palestinian official Saturday called for "an immediate, full and mutual ceasefire" between Israel and the Palestinians.

Palestinian Authority advisor Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the Palestinians were starting a new era with President Mahmoud Abbas, who was sworn into office Saturday.

"President Abbas is determined to establish the authority of law and discipline," Abu Rudeineh said. He then called on Israel "to end as immediate as possible its military actions in Gaza."

Abu Rudeineh blamed Palestinian militant groups as well as Israelis for the violence in the Middle East and urged the United States to use its influence in the region.

"We call upon the United States to end the Israeli aggression against our people and we call upon the Israeli government to go immediately with us for a ceasefire without incursions and assassinations," said Abu Rudeineh.