Palestinian Authority Issues Weapons Ban

The Palestinian leadership banned civilians on Thursday from carrying weapons, its latest step aimed at reining in militant violence, as the Palestinian leader said he was awaiting Israel's response on a proposal for a mutual cease-fire declaration.

If enforced, the ban on weapons would be a strong move against militant groups, whose gunmen often openly brandish their automatic weapons in the streets of Gaza and the West Bank -- reflecting the lack of control by the Palestinian security forces.

The key words are "if enforced". I am hopeful, but not expectant.