Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat on Saturday told foreign diplomats he was committed to an "Olympic truce" during the international games set to take place this August in Athens, Greece.

Arafat's comments came amid Egyptian efforts to mediate a total ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians that would allow for a smooth withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces troops and the evacuation of settlements in the Gaza Strip.

"On the occasion of lighting the Palestinian Olympic torch, I declare our respect and commitment for an Olympic truce," Arafat said.

He expressed the hope that the declaration would "help to revive the old Greek ritual of creating a generation that enjoys peace."

But a senior Israeli official Saturday dismissed Arafat's remarks. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, accused Arafat of being behind the killings of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics.

"Arafat's Olympic torch is a torch of death. There is a big difference between what Arafat says and what he does," the official said.

In May, Arafat ordered all factions under his control to prevent any "isolated" attacks on this summer's Olympic Games...