THE CURRENT TALKS between Israel and Palestine have reached a very delicate stage and though the stakes are enormous, there seems for the first time to be a real desire on both sides to hammer out an agreement despite the contentious issueof the settlements.
Unfortunately, both sides are held hostage by the political realities on the ground. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hemmed in by his hawkish coalition partners in government and Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas by Hamas.
According to President Barack Obama, the danger of the Middle East peace bid falling apart would be “catastrophic for the Holy Land”. While addressing the recent United Nations (UN) General Assembly, he sounded a grim warning, days before the expiry of the Israeli settlement freeze moratorium.
The settlements issue has now become the lifeline of the peace process that was finally relaunched this month after hectic diplomatic efforts by the United States. Though the Palestinians’ initial condition for a permanent cessation of settlements was not met, it was obvious the issue could not be sidestepped.
The Palestinian Authority has now categorically refused to engage in further negotiations unless Israel extends its settlements freeze. Mr Obama’s clarion call has come at a critical time, saying that if this peace process fails, both parties will be left with nothing in hand but further violence.
If the talks fall apart, Obama’s often stated goal of a separate state for Palestine would go up in smoke. The result would be increased violence and a continued state of siege between neighbours. Such a situation would consume the security of both sides.
We support Obama’s call to both parties to choose the path to peace and not give in to sabotage attempts by radical elements engaged in undermining progress. The real challenge is that he cannot appear to be applying pressure to Israel during this election cycle in the United States.
Two good signs have emerged: Mr Netanyahu, who according to Obama possesses the courage to make the peace deal, has voiced support to resolve long-standing contentions with the Palestinians and Mr Abbas has said he wouldn’t make a decision until meeting with Arab leaders.
The difficulty is whether the Israeli government can be persuaded to genuinely commit to cede some very significant concessions with respect to borders, Palestinian refugees and the future of Jerusalem.
The issue of the settlements is only the first cornerstone in laying the foundations of peace with the Palestinians.
It is unlikely that, even with American arm-twisting, peace is going to be easily achieved after decades of negotiations.
Still, we hold our breath.
