Tel Aviv -  A senior Hamas official in Gaza told an Israeli Website Wednesday that a ceasefire with Israel could be reached within 48 hours.

"In the light of all the diplomatic efforts ongoing right now, I am convinced we will succeed in finding a formula agreeable to both sides within 48 hours," Ahmed Yousef, a senior Hamas political figure and advisor to deposed prime minister Ismail Haniya, told the Ynet website.

Cairo  - An Egyptian ceasefire plan for Gaza which Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak hopes will help his damaged popularity has met a positive reaction since it was announced late on Tuesday.

Seeking to regain regional stature damaged by Israel's attack on Gaza, Mubarak proposed a ceasefire plan that won immediate backing from the US and Europe, even though few details have been announced.

Jerusalem  - Tony Blair said Wednesday that he welcomed Israel's move to halt hostilities for a few hours to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, but said more regular access was needed.

"I welcome Israel's decision to allow a temporary humanitarian lull today," he said in a statement.

Blair serves as the representative of the Quartet, which is made up of the United State, European Union, Russia and the United Nations.

Caracas - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Tuesday called the Israeli Army "cowardly" for its offensive in the Gaza Strip, and said the people of Israel should protest the operation that has killed more than 580 people.

"How cowardly is the Israeli Army. They attack a people that is exhausted, asleep, innocent, and they boast that they are defending their people," Chavez told reporters. "I call upon the people of Israel to rise against that government."

Tel Aviv  - An Is