The LA Times reports today that Palestinian leaders have announced they cannot bless the USA effort led by Secretary Kerry to re-start the peace process with Israel.
After an urgent meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Palestinian leaders from the major political factions expressed doubt that the new initiative would be enough to entice them back to the negotiating table.
After a late-night meeting, Palestinians were preparing Friday to demand stronger, clearer assurances from Israel, particularly concerning the proposed borders of a future state of Palestine.
It is regretful if the Palestinian leadership continues to hold this position as pre-condition demands by both sides in the past have derailed efforts at reaching a peace treaty between the sides. The insertion of such preconditions now, by either side, will not be helpful in moving the process forward.
The point of negotiations in a peace process is to negotiate. This is especially true when it involves issues at the heart of the conflict. Setting barriers to negotiations will only serve the goal of those whom would prefer violence to peace and given the process has already been endorsed by the Arab League this setback is very disappointing.