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Major current issues between the two sides
Repeated obstacles to peace seem to be as follows:
• Strong feelings on both sides • Status of Jerusalem • Israeli security concerns over terrorism, safe borders, incitements, violence. • Arab concerns over Israeli settlements and land. • Palestinian refugee issues
There are several issues which currently have a prominent effect on the progress of negotiations between the two sides.
The major concern expressed through the Israeli side is whether the major Palestinian figures and institutions are in fact trying to fight terrorism, and to promote tolerance and co-existence with Israel.
Israeli concerns are based on abundant documentary and empirical evidence of many Palestinian leaders having in fact promoted and supported terrorist groups and activities. Furthermore, there is much concrete evidence of Palestinians having supported and expressed incitement against Israel, its motives, actions, and basic rights as a state.
This is almost a moot point right now, owing to the election of Hamas, which states unequivocally that it does not recognize Israel's right to exist. however there remain some activists on the Palestinian side who claim that there are still some positive signs on the Palestinian side, and that Israel should use these to cultivate some positive interactions with the Palestinians, even in spite of Hamas's basic opposition to the existence of the Jewish State.
While from the Palestinian point of view, the main concern is whether Israel will in fact allow the Palestinian community to emerge as a viable and workable political unit, hopefully culminating in a state.
Negotiators expressing this concern often point to various economic and political restrictions placed on Palestinian people, activities, and institutions. Israel has said repeatedly that these restrictions are necessary due to security concerns. however, the real justification for these restrictions is a continuing point of contention between the two sides.
American views of the peace process |