Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat said today he would do his "utmost" to implement a ceasefire with Israel.
Mr Arafat's announcement marked the third time in three days he said he was committed to a truce and reflected an apparent eagerness to be seen as supportive of US policy.
Addressing reporters and foreign diplomats, he reaffirmed his commitment to stand by the United States following attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that left more than 5,000 people dead or missing.
"I announce today I have informed the United States of placing all of our capabilities at their service and of our readiness to be part of the international alliance to end terrorism against unarmed civilians in order to reach a world where security, peace and justice prevail," Mr Arafat said.
The United States is trying to forge an international coalition against terror that would include many Arab states. The prime suspect is Osama bin Laden, an Islamic militant living in Afghanistan.
In overnight fighting, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire.
A new flare-up in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would likely disrupt such coalition-building, and US officials have urged Israel and the Palestinians to hold truce talks as soon as possible.
Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon has been reluctant, saying Mr Arafat could not be trusted and that he would only agree to such meetings after a 48-hour period of complete calm.