His allies said he was awaiting a legal review, but some Palestinian legislators said he was likely to seek changes.

But he also told Palestinian legislators that Mr. Arafat had not backed him.

Palestinian legislators and officials, humanitarian and international workers must be allowed to go about the business of building a better future.

Conversely, the Palestinian legislators said they viewed the session as a chance to demonstrate that the council had not been destroyed.

But Palestinian legislators pressing for change said that his comments were vague and unsatisfactory.

As a result, a new cabinet may be presented to Palestinian legislators for approval within days.

Palestinian legislators face elections next July for the first time in nine years.

Inside is a cavernous, domed hall, watched over by a silent gallery, where the Palestinian legislators were to sit in terraced rows.

The European Union has also called many times for the immediate release of Palestinian legislators detained by Israel.

Eighteen Palestinian legislators moved on Thursday for a vote of no confidence to be taken in his government.