Israeli conflict still predominates and overshadows all issues of the Middle East. No other regional conflict is more influential upon world peace. What exacerbates the problem is the absence of the Israeli Government's good intentions. It still proceeds with the acquisition of more Palestinian land, still builds colonies to create facts on ground and still continues the killing and displacement of Palestinians and confiscation of their land and properties. The Israeli colonies undermine the possibilities of creating a contiguous and viable Palestinian state; make it difficult for any Palestinian government to function effectively or to persuade the Palestinians about the possibility of achieving peace. It is unethical to impose siege and sanctions on people suffering under occupation, while the occupying authority continues its settlement activities free from any accountability and in defiance of Geneva Conventions. It is understood that peace is the only way to achieve security for Palestinians and Israelis; but we must doubt the Israeli intentions when it fails to offer any serious peace initiatives. Actually, it rejects the proposed initiatives and continues to hamper the negotiations by taking unilateral actions that undermine the chances for peace. The time has come for Israel to know that it cannot proceed with ignoring international legitimacy emanating from international law. Yet, states in the Security Council, including permanent members, have unanimously and repeatedly issued statements against the continuation of Israeli settlement activities. The Arab States have clearly expressed, through the Arab Peace Initiative launched by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Beirut Arab Summit in 2004, their commitment to achieving just and comprehensive peace based on the rules of international law. However, we were not met by any reciprocal commitment from Israel. It is crucial that the international community takes a clear position that reflects its consensus on taking concrete actions to revive the peace process; alongside with decisively urging Israel to deal with the issue with honesty and seriousness by immediately ceasing settlement construction, dismantling instead of expanding them, recognizing the right of Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital as well as reaching an equitable solution to the refugee's issue in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. --MORE
