The Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a radical offshoot of Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, said in a statement today they were signing up to the Palestinian leader's call for an end to attacks on Israel.
"We pledge an absolute commitment to all the decisions issued by Arafat and the presidency," said the statement from the group, which has carried out a number of deadly attacks on Israel during the 15-month intifada.
However, the group said it would hit hard at anyone who tried to hurt Mr Arafat.
"We are warning anyone who wants to harm President Arafat. We will beat with an iron fist anyone who dares to think about it," the statement said.
The Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on Israel, including a rampage by gunmen in the northern town of Afula on November 27th which left two Israelis dead, as well as one of its own members and a gunman from Islamic Jihad.
AFP