Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank Wednesday by receiving promises of resuming peace talks.

"I have been informed by the parties that they intend to resume the negotiations and that they are in contact with one another as to how to bring this about."

Rice announced the resumption of talks at a news conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday. It was soon be confirmed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

On the same day, Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Olmert also hinted that the door for cease fire is still open.

"If the firing of Qassam rockets towards Israel will stop, there will not be an Israeli offensive in Gaza. We don't wake up in the morning and think how do we attack Gaza. We want to prevent firing on Israeli citizens. If they won't shoot at us, we won't shoot at them."

Rice kicked off a new Middle East visit on Tuesday in a bid to help revive the Palestinian-Israeli talks following a five-day incursion of Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip.