The moratorium placed on the establishment of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem will soon expire. That temporary suspension placed by the Israeli government was aimed at creating a buffer room for potential peace talks, and it was also in response to a US condemnation. The stopping of the settlements helped Israel regain America’s trust and resuscitated the good relationship they enjoyed for decades. Palestinians want a sovereign state; the Israelis want the missile shooting, mainly coming from Hamas, to stop. Here is where things get more complicated: settlements. And to complicate things even more, assuming that the issue of settlements was to be resolved, and a cease fire that’s agreed upon by both parties is in effect, here’s what will remain on hand: the right of return. The right of return is a concept popular especially amongst Palestinians in refugee camps throughout the region, and for them, it is the little shred of hope they live for from day to day, and teach to their children, with the intent to pass it down to generations to come. They have no better option, and for that matter, under the given circumstances, no other option, period. Amongst these segments of population – for the most part – they believe that their national identity is directly tied to that of the right of return, thus they are perceived as Palestinians living outside an occupied land, with Middle Eastern countries that are allowing them to temporarily live within their borders until their right of return, somehow, either by a miraculous force of nature, or an act of God, happens. This is merely one brief chapter of the very complex Arab-Israeli struggle.

The US effort to revive peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis, and involving the leaders of other Arab nations, is a step in the right direction. But how do the people in the Middle East see these efforts?

Responses from people I’ve talked with here in Jordan about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict generally fall under one of three arguments: the ones that are completely against Israel along with any concessions or compromises, the ones that hope for a peace deal, with the 1967 borders restored and a Palestinian state, and the ones with the good ole’ argument of “God has a plan…”; an argument influenced by many scriptures of holy books and religious interpretations. As for the ongoing talks, a glimpse of hope could be heard from many, but it is however preceded by statements of much uncertainty and skepticism, as they have witnessed peace treaties, sponsored by the US that either didn’t last, or didn’t eventually materialize.

As peace talks continue to take place, and as not all issues will have solutions proposed and implemented immediately, it is very important to address all issues, and identify the importance of them. The issue of Palestinian refugees, the siege on the Gaza strip, maritime disputes, the status of Jerusalem and the West Bank, the threat of Hezbollah and Syria’s volatile animosity towards Israel are some of what has to be addressed. Palestinians and Israelis still have a long rigid way to go. As the US remains to be a partner and a mediator for both parties, the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority shall truly maximize every effort, and continuously remain committed to materialize these efforts into fruitful solutions and results.

Find more from this blogger at www.independentreport.com