U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah militants is possible this week. Her comments came in Jerusalem, where Israeli officials announced a 48-hour suspension of air strikes following the deaths of more than 50 Lebanese civilians, Sunday.

Secretary Rice returns to Washington Monday, saying the United States will push for the U.N. Security Council to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants and to deploy international peacekeepers to the region.

"This morning, as I head back to Washington, I take with me an emerging consensus on what is necessary for both an urgent ceasefire and a lasting settlement," she said. "I am convinced we can achieve both this week."

Ms. Rice says it will be necessary for the United Nations to approve the deployment of a large force of international peacekeepers to southern Lebanon. She says the force will help the Lebanese Army keep the peace in an area now dominated by Hezbollah militants.

Following the deaths of more than 50 civilians in an Israeli air strike in the Lebanese town, Qana, Israel has suspended air strikes in Lebanon for 48 hours and agreed to work with the United Nations to evacuate civilians and bring in relief supplies.