Mahmoud Abbas, left, and Ariel Sharon (File photo - July 1, 2003)

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's office says he and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas spoke by telephone Sunday and agreed to meet in the near future.

The two leaders were to have met today, but the meeting was canceled after a 10-day upsurge in violence.

Earlier today, Israel suspended its Gaza offensive, following a lull in rocket attacks by Palestinian militants. The army said it will restart the operation if the rocket fire resumes.

In a separate development, Israel is warning vacationers to avoid Egypt's Red Sea resorts over the upcoming Jewish holidays. A government statement says Israeli tourists could be kidnapped by pro-Palestinian militants.

Thousands of Israelis ignored a similar warning last year ahead of bombings that killed 34 people at two Sinai resort areas.