The announcement of the ceasefire has been delayed because

Senior Palestinian officials say the announcement of the ceasefire by militant groups has been delayed for a few days, reportedly by a disagreement over wording of the truce. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have agreed to halt attacks against Israel at least temporarily, but other militant groups have not yet said whether they will join the agreement.  At the same time, Israeli troops are expected to withdraw from parts of the Gaza Strip and Bethlehem, possibly as soon as Monday. President Bush’s National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice has been meeting today with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on the road map plan for Middle East peace.