4 Postscript: The Egyptian-brokered
truce
88. As we have said, the truce between Hamas and
Israel brokered by Egypt offers an opportunity which should be
used by all parties to take the peace process forward. Some have
commented that the absence of the US and the Quartet from the
truce negotiations demonstrates that they have become increasingly
irrelevant.[135] Others
have commented that Prime Minister Olmert is trying to save his
career.[136] Both views
may be accurate. What is also clear however is that both Israel
and Hamas have recognised that cooperation is the only way forward
and without a ceasefire there is no realistic prospect for improvements
in the humanitarian situation or for economic development.
89. We hope
that the truce will hold and that the period of calm will be used
to reassess strategies for progress towards peace. Hamas must
be encouraged to meet the Quartet conditions and Israel must open
the borders and allow full humanitarian access. Much is required
of both parties and we hope each will step up to its responsibilities.
Equally the international community must at all costs avoid supporting
measures that add legitimacy to, or entrench, the occupation and
lead effectively to two states sharing the same territory in the
West Bank. Instead it should press as hard as possible for a long-term
solution and to maintain the momentum towards peace. It failed
to do this when the National Unity Government was formed, with
dire consequences. The current truce provides another opportunity
to move forward after a prolonged period of seeming hopelessness.
This moment of optimism must be seized and the peace process advanced
with energy and commitment on all sides.
135 "This plan rewrites the old rules: the White
House didn't make the deal", The Times, 19 June 2008. Back
136
"Olmert reaches out", The Times, 19 June 2008. Back
|
