We discussed the recently agreed truce between Israeli Prime Minister Sharon and the Palestinian leader Abbas in our global phone-in programme Talking Point.
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have agreed to uphold an undeclared truce while they decide whether they will join the ceasefire with Israel.
Their final decision will come once they have reflected on Saturday's talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, where he tried to persuade them to concur with the full ceasefire that he agreed with Israel on Tuesday.
Mr Abbas was thought to have argued that the agreement with Israel does meet most of the groups' demands regarding a cessation of Israeli military activity.
Do you think progress is being made? Should the militant groups join the ceasefire?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
I am glad that there is peace process now between Israeli and Palestinians. Everyone wants a say, which means twenty years down the line progress may be made. Play the end game now, Sharon and Abbas - time to make history. Make the big decisions - get it sorted. Give the children a chance.
Bryan, Auckland, New Zealand
The new Palestinian leader, Mr Mahmoud Abbas has taken a very short time to prove to the world that he is the right man for the right place. I am totally convinced that he will deliver the goods because he has already done a lot in so short a time. The US and Israel should give him the support he requires in order to complete his mission.
Emmanuel Wembenyui, Brisbane, Australia.
Any change in the impasse can only be brought about if Israel complies to Palestinian demands as they expect their Palestinian counter-parts to comply with them.
Daman, Delhi, India
That Israel is attempting an outright ceasefire while Hamas and other groups have decided to wait and see if the negotiations satisfy them before pledging to an outright end of the violence shows which side is the action and which the reaction in the deadly cycle that has continued throughout the intifada. The romantic view that these organizations are full of freedom fighters against a brutal military occupation is certainly harmed by the idea that they won't sign on to a ceasefire that would clearly be the benefit of everyone.
Avery Haviv, Waterloo, Canada
Peace will only be achieved if both sides react the same and accept responsibility for upholding it. A good sign has been the Palestinian policing - at last that has shown they have matured.
Jason, Newcastle-under-Lyme
It would be good if the militants joined the cease fire. But they still should be eradicated. They are terrorists and have specifically targeted innocent human beings and need to be wiped off the face of the earth. And the PA should do it as their sign of good faith in peace and belief in justice.
Michael, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The Good Friday agreement that brought an end to the major violence in Northern Ireland was achieved through an inclusive negotiation that brought the paramilitaries on both sides to the negotiation table. Can the Leaders of Israel not see that unless the negotiation includes the men of violence, there is little chance that any agreement will be accepted by organizations such as Hamas? By including Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the settlement, the chance for peace will be strengthened as with any good business agreement, all stakeholders have been included.
Kevin, Toronto, Canada
With further talks, negotiations and peace-improvement a long lasting truce should be possible. However, I personally only see Mr Abbas as a messenger, while Mr. Sharon, other Israeli extremist parties and obviously the Palestinian terrorist groups are the ones who will have to compromise, accept changement and hopefully establish a more peaceful Middle East.
Doveri Vesterbye, Brussels, Belgium
I understand that Israel should withdraw to the 1967 borders, but it would be stupid not to secure itself first, because Israel's citizens will be much more vulnerable than before. If the terror stops for good, then it will be much easier to give up the land.
Asi, Tel Aviv, Israel
 |  Only history will show how long it will be meaningful though |
Provided Hamas and the others join the truce the process will gain somewhat. Only history will show how long it will be meaningful though. Cynically, turmoil in the Middle East is inevitable and upheavals are likely to be seen.
Denzi, Ankara, Turkey
Peace can prevail but both sides need to uphold the truce. Israel has never stopped building settlements and now the wall despite peace treaties and, past UN resolutions (vetoed by the USA). Both sides have perpetrated violence to an equal degree and now it is up to both sides to reign in the perpetrators.
Angela, USA
In what way do the Israeli settlements provide security for Israel? The UN has declared them illegal. You don't build a settlement if you don't plan to stay there permanently. This is wrong regardless of terrorism and has nothing to do with self defence.
Wilhelm, Sweden
| For peace we need Marwan Barghouti |
Okay let's be serious here people, Abu Mazen has no power what so ever. For him to even think he can declare a ceasefire without the backing and consent of the militant groups like Hamas, which by the way is stronger than Abbas' own Fatah in Gaza. I think they made a mistake by not naming Marwan Barghouti as president.
He would have the strength and backing to take on the groups. For peace we need Marwan Barghouti. But one thing that I know is if Abu Mazen goes after Hamas/Islamic Jihad with force then he might as well start writing his death certificate right now. And he needs to have a talk with Hezbollah, because they are a major player in this whole thing.
Fawad Ali, Hasan Nasrallah, Lebanon
It is hard to imagine a realistic scenario that will give the Palestinians the state they want and the Israelis the security they need. Both sides say they want peace but when asked if they trust the other side their response is one of complete rejection. This leaves us with the conviction that the end will be catastrophic.
It would seem that the only useful purpose of the peace process is to postpone the inevitable denouement until this generation of leaders dies and the new leaders are more disposed towards being truly creative. Unfortunately, given that the most popular career goal of Palestinian children is to be a suicide martyr even this is a forlorn hope.
David and Valerea Thomas, Inverness, Scotland
| The militant groups have no right to refuse the agreement and should give peace talks a chance |
The militant groups have no right to refuse the agreement and should give peace talks a chance. But Israel has to help Abu Mazen in curbing the fanatics by stopping its aggression and taking measures to make it easier for the Palestinians to carry on with their daily life.
Samer, Toronto, Canada
As many people are aware, this thing called a peace plan has been tried time and time again by the region's political leaders. Reading almost daily news of its progress, or lack thereof, I see words like bloodshed, military action, retaliation, borders and boundaries thrown around like candy in an Easter parade. Perhaps their ideas may make some headway if everyone begins focusing on the humanity of all Palestinians and Israelis, and the validity of everyone's needs rather than focusing on a so-called political agendas...?
Nuri Adams, Atlanta, USA
Abu Mazen is a pragmatist. Ariel Sharon will have to give him a chance to constrain the Palestinian Militants who will undoubtedly seek a way to ruin every chance of peace. I think there is a silent civil war in Palestine. You need all factions to form one body, rather than everyone working towards their own agendas. More shall be seen in the coming months, as the struggle for power that has yet to settle.
Sherif Gamal, Cairo, Egypt
As a Palestinian, my heart would like to believe this time there is a real chance for peace, but past experience tells me to be cautious. I am not convinced yet that the Israelis are ready for peace and are genuinely seeking a settlement to the conflict with us. Past experience tells us that Israeli governments always try to dictate peace rather than negotiate its terms. Furthermore, we now know from Oslo and what followed that Israeli governments see negotiations as another tool to consolidate the occupation instead of ending it. I'd be very happy if future events prove me wrong but I've got a feeling that we've been here before.
Issam Abu Roza, Ramallah, Palestinian territories
| Many people around me are starting to raise cautious hopes |
I am utterly convinced that both Abbas and Sharon are serious about 'peace'. A lot of work needs to be done. Both know it. I wish them luck! Many people around me are starting to raise cautious hopes. We seem to be leaving a period of great depression and hopelessness. I think both leaders have seen many battles. This is their strength in peace.
Shosh, Israel It is always good to be hopeful, but in this case it is particularly hard. Only a fool would deny that America and Israel have a deep strategic alliance. Thus the deepening and exclusive involvement of the USA in this conflict can only lead to a peace on Israel's terms and not one based on fairness and justice. I am depressed for the Palestinian people and the civilians on both sides who will continue to die if an unfair agreement is "reached" (i.e. one that does not fully end the occupation).
George, Reading, UK
Honesty is what matters here. Both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities should by now have realized that their goals cannot be achieved by resorting to war or by using of destructive weapons. Both governments should stick by their latest peace accord rather than looking for ways to renege on it. They should stop playing the blame game with each pretending to be the victim and the other, the aggressor.
Aroun Rashid Deen, New York, USA
This is another attempt at a partial solution. A ceasefire is not an objective in itself, even if it is obviously an important step. The agreement reached in Sharm El-Sheikh doesn't even mention the word "occupation". I'm afraid that the ceasefire may not hold for a long time. As long as the real subjects (occupation, the refugees, the settlements) are not tackled, violence will reign, taking the lives of innocent Israelis and Palestinians.
Jamil Farah, Paris France How can there be a ceasefire when Islamic Jihad and Hamas don't agree to it. If they don't agree to a ceasefire, then it doesn't exist because they are the ones who are firing, not the PA. This proves that Hamas and Islamic Jihad only want peace when Israel is wiped off the map, not side by side a Palestinian state
Kanye West, Chi-Town, USA
Hamas and Islamic jihad were developed as a result of oppression by Israel. They have significant position among Palestinian, they recently won domestic city elections.
Mohamad Pooramiini, Hamadan, Iran
Great, both governments agree to a cease-fire. What happens when Hamas launches missiles into Israel or explodes a bus in Tel Aviv, should the Israeli government then retaliate? Abbas needs to dismantle Hamas and Jihad.
David Silver, San Diego, CA
| Caution and realism is required, and a touch of cynicism I'm afraid |
Having lived in the Middle East and North Africa for more than 20 years, caution and realism is required, and a touch of cynicism I'm afraid. Perhaps America's new found enthusiasm is an attempt to divert public opinion away from the continuing horror from events in Iraq. Perhaps rising anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism are finally being recognised by Bush and Blair and perhaps the power of ordinary people and their desire for justice will finally prevail. In my view this is what will win the day.
Michael Dodd, Libya
There's only one solution to ceasefire in Middle East, that's to rewrite schoolbooks filled with hate for each other. As we are all witnesses, every new generation begins hostilities and killing each other. Older people are more moderate. If they continue teaching the same books of history, literature, etc. in schools then the war will never stop.
Gazmend Demolli, Kosovar in France
Please pray some common sense and compassion to both leaders, and await a much needed outcome, then people can start to look to the future and put the past behind them including the hatred.
Danny, Manchester
This may be a last opportunity. Both sides need to show courage. Building the trust required won't happen overnight and the ultimate solution must be backed up with security and support of the nations of the world. Pointing fingers doesn't help anymore. I hope the Palestinians realise this peace is in their interest. Israel has been and is a reality that will never go away, no matter what. As a Jewish American I have always been a supporter of Israel and the peace process. Finally there is a ray of hope.
Brad, Tacoma, WA
As a Palestinian, my heart would like to believe this time there is a real chance for peace but past experience tells me to be cautious. I am not convinced yet that the Israelis are ready for peace and are genuinely seeking a settlement to the conflict with us. Past experience tells us that Israeli governments always try to dictate peace rather than negotiate its terms. Furthermore, we now know from Oslo and what followed that Israeli governments see negotiations as another tool to consolidate the occupation instead of ending it. I'd be very happy if future events prove me wrong but I've got a feeling that we've been here before.
Issam Abu Roza, Ramallah, Palestine
| Give the present and future generations of Israelis and Palestinians the chance to live in peace and harmony |
This golden opportunity should not be lost. Let bygones be bygones. Turn the page and give the present and future generations of Israelis and Palestinians the chance to live in peace and harmony. Haven't so many chances of peace been squandered and so many precious lives been lost out of sheer stupidity and pride? A truce should concentrate minds on the need for permanent peace based on mutual respect.
Pancha Chandra, Brussels, Belgium I am an Israeli and you would call me a hardliner because I believe in the inalienable right of the Jews to whole of the biblical holy land. However for the sake of my children and grandchildren if the Palestinians demonstrate that their ultimate aim is for an independent democratic Arab state living side by side with a secure Jewish State of Israel then even I, albeit with a heavy heart, am prepared to trade land for peace. However the Palestinians have to demonstrate that this is their aim and gain the trust of me and people like me who have witnessed nearly sixty years of bloodshed. This must include the dismantling of groups Hamas which both preach and act towards the destruction of Israel.
Norman, Jerusalem Israel
Yes, there's always hope for a peace deal. Palestinians have to stop violence against civilians and so do Israelis. A peace deal - to be sustainable - must take into account the past deals, and must not be dictated by the logic of the most powerful on the ground. While the EU is once again missing, the US must stand as a neutral part and push both sides towards a fair agreement. Will the American administration meet the challenge? Or will it, as usual, press in favour of Israeli interests and cast the responsibility of a possible failure on Palestinians?
Mohamed, Paris, France
This is a major and responsible step to bring this to an end, and start a peaceful relation afresh with mutual understandings. Middle East is fuming with too many wars lately.
Shibabrata SenChaudhury, Calcutta, India
Peace is within reach - provided that the leadership on both sides will be rational and brave. The only reasonable solution is the two state solution, with Palestine in the 1967 borders being the national home of the Palestinian people, and Israel - the national home of the Jewish people.
Dov, Israel
A truce is a great opportunity for terrorists to prepare their next attacks on innocent civilians. No peace and no Palestinian state will be viable before all the terrorist organizations are outlawed and disarmed.
Ernesto, Rehovot, Israel
So long as there is unqualified support of USA for Israel, there will be no peace in the Middle East.
Rashid Pathan, Espoo, Finland
| The real test will come the first time Sharon and/or Abbas have to reign in their own extremists |
The real test will come the first time Sharon and/or Abbas have to reign in their own extremists. Will Sharon stand up to rejectionists in his own party that view any concession as a show of weakness? Will he really use force to remove settlers, if necessary? Will Abbas proactively move against people planning terror attacks on Israel? Will he cut people who don't recognize Israel's right to exist out of the process? It is inevitable that people on both sides will look to sabotage the peace. The problem has always been that both sides pander to their own extremists rather than recognizing them as the real enemy.
Jim , NJ, USA Major issues are still huge problem. One of them Jerusalem, which can be solved. But the other is returning of refuges back to Israel. Palestinians want this badly, but Israel can't allow it, because of numbers, since they would loose their state. When they signed first peace agreement everyone was hopeful and cried from happiness. Again this time I wish them luck.
Alex S, London, UK
I think it's great to have another truce. Maybe after countless thousands of years of bloodshed they can both share a common territory. Sharon could even start by rebuilding some of the devastated Palestinian homes they have wantonly destroyed.
Ian Jansen, Calgary, Canada
No-one seems to mention the much criticised wall in all this, and its role in enabling these two leaders to sit down and talk peace.
Dom, London
We'll all be happy to see a secure Israel living side-by-side with a secure and democratic Palestine. Both Palestinians and Israelis have the God's right to existence. Sooner or later, the two states will be co-existing and the conflict will become a thing of the past. As an oppressed Arab living in an autocratic Arab country, I sometimes regret not being born Jewish; I too could have left Morocco to become a free Israeli citizen like many lucky Moroccan Jews. Sooner or later, the Palestinians will achieve their statehood goal but will they be free then? Judging by what has happened to us since Morocco become independent, I'm not so sure. Good luck to them anyway.
Ahmed Karcouba, Casablanca, Morocco
This ceasefire can work and become eternal, rather than temporary, only and only if the Israeli government takes the decision of not targeting Palestinian militants. Once we see that the cessation of violence actually benefits us as a people, we will support Abu Mazen one hundred percent. I think that both sides (but especially the Palestinians) have suffered enough and it is time to live side by side in accord and harmony.
Tamer, Palestinian Christian
The hardliners on both sides, both equally responsible for the violence will try to destroy any chance of peace. It will take an understanding from all leaders that the majority of people in both countries don't want to shoot each other, or deprive each other of families. Arafat and Sharon spent all their time dealing with these hardliners, and spent little effort on the rest of both populations. If the two men stand side by side and resolve to resist the calls of the fundamentalists and extremists, then there is a real chance for peace. The face saving mentality, so often a cause for war and conflict, should be cast aside, and both men realise the best political 'presentation' for both of them is peace.
Alex, Moscow, Russia
It remains to be seen because there have been other summits and other cease fires when Arafat was alive. Arafat had asked for international observers/monitoring on several occasions which was never accepted by Israel. USA monitoring has now been offered by USA via Condoleezza Rice, Israeli's arms supplier, so I hope it will be impartial and that the negotiations will be carried out on an equal basis.
M. Farrell, Rome, Italy
I cannot imagine that Sharon will give up the necessary land and water rights to allow a viable state of Palestine to come into being. But I, never the less, hope that he will. People need to remember that this is really why Camp David failed.
John Lawrence, Southampton, UK
I am a Muslim and I love my religion. There is nothing mentioned in the Holy Quran about any promised land belonging to certain people just because they have a certain religion. I hope these recent events and meetings will be a first step of building a democratic state in which all citizens have the same rights; Muslim Christian and Jews. The only sustainable solution is a one state for people with different religions in which all citizens have exactly the same right; no one is superior because he believes that he is a member of chosen people with a promised land. Everyone (including me) hopes terrorism stops, but we can�t be fair if we don�t ask why terrorism happened, since no one is born as a terrorist, are they?
Ebiat, Palestine
The more international support and understanding to both sides' historical arguments, the better, and just as might is not always right the International community need to accept that the underdog can also be wrong.
Danny Fulda, Bet Shemesh, Israel Since the death of Arafat, things do appear to be much quieter - Mr Abbas may have managed to get Hamas etc under control. The onus has always been on the Palestinians to make the first step - stopping terrorist attacks. If this step proves not to be temporary, but permanent, there is a real hope for a longer term peace.
Benjy Arnold, London UK
Looks like the Bush Agenda is moving forward as planned...
Thomas Brennan, Millbury, Massachusetts
I am shocked at how naive people seem to be about this situation. Surely the Palestinian terrorists understand that when they stop blowing up small children simply for been Jewish then Israel will stop attacking them in return. I suggest people read the PLO charter.
Robert Sutton, Halifax, England
Its now time to see if Israel is really more interested in land than peace.
Simon G, Dubai
The ceasefire will only work if both sides work towards the others aspirations. This can only happen if the extremists on both sides are muted.
Adam, Stoke, England
I do absolutely disapprove that there is a hope of a truce in the Middle East summit as far as Ariel Sharon and the Palestinians are concerned because of Sharon's tactics.
Jama Warsame Hassan, Greenford, London
Both parties cannot continue to fight in the face of the new change of Palestinian leadership. This has created an opportunity for Sharon and Abbas to close ranks and embrace peace for their people.
Obaje Friday, Lagos, Nigeria
The summit brings new hope for peace and understanding, we hope that all parties involved will represent their people rightfully and bring them justice, hope and prosperity. The Palestinian and Israeli people have gone through a lot, the international community must get involved in this moment of hope and help resolve this crisis where innocent lives are at risk on a daily basis.
Luma Qadoumi, Montreal, Canada
| I bet most regular Israelis and Palestinians would be willing to negotiate a compromise |
A lot will depend on whether Abbas is able to rein in Hamas and other violent Palestinian groups. I bet most regular Israelis and Palestinians (i.e. the silent majorities) would be willing to negotiate a compromise if it would get them closer to peaceful coexistence.
Eddie N, NY, USA
No-one seems to have mentioned that there were a number of truces before Arafat died. Unfortunately the truces were always broken and then the cycle of violence began again. This time there is more pressure on Israel to not break the truce now that there is a new compliant Palestinian leader.
James Wild, London, UK
Israel will never negotiate under fire and the Palestinians know this. They've never been interested in negotiation or compromise and turned their backs on the peace deal brokered by President Clinton. With Arafat's death there is a historic opportunity to work toward a negotiated agreement. This is about building trust to get to the next level. There won't be peace this year but the world must push the parties in the right direction.
Roger White, New York, USA
Leaders go to summits only if they think they will be able to declare progress at a photo op afterwards. So, the very fact that they're going means there is hope.
Inna Tysoe, Sacramento, CA, USA
There's a saying in Israel that only a hawk can make peace. Good luck to both sides: they are both honourable nations, their positions having been hijacked over the years by fundamentalists and warmongers.
Simon, London
| Heavy responsibility rests on both leaders' shoulders |
Getting around a negotiating table is the easy part, finding a solution will be harder. Heavy responsibility rests on both leaders' shoulders. Now we will see who really wants peace.
Paul Bird, Plymouth There is always hope. Just not much. Israel must be allowed to be free from fear behind the 1967 borders. Palestine must have all the rest of its land back. We in the west must pay the Israeli's settled in the west bank to move back to Israel, and pay the Palestinians for their lost homes in Israel and giving up the right of return. And both Israel and Palestine must accept that those who don't want peace will try to stop it by killing. And that each side must not automatically retaliate, because they both don't have absolute control over everyone in their own territories.
Michael, London UK
If the Americans can get Israeli and Palestinian leaders to sign a truce, then they have finally accomplished something other than war.
Kisha, Canada
| Both sides have to realize that this is their last chance for peace |
Being that there was just an announcement of a cease fire agreement between both sides, shows that there is hope for peace. Both sides have to realize that this is their last chance for peace.
Barbara, New York, USA We hope, pray and watch with bated breathe and anticipation. It would be such a great day for all concerned
Michael, Birmingham
Finally some hope and yet still the anti-American comments on this forum. Surely these are the same people who criticized for not getting involved that now criticize for interfering. Put aside those feelings and hope that something good can emerge from this encouraging turn of events. It's in all of our interest.
Andy, Chicago, US
Reading the opinions on this page shows that everyone has one prejudice on another. The only way peace can work is to leave individual prejudices at the door, and pray for peace, no matter who you pray to.
Diana Downey, Rochester Hills Mi, USA
Yes there's hope. The Palestinians have grown tired of the intifada, and the militants have realised (like the IRA) that they cannot win with guns and bombs. Both Abbas and Sharon must be brave though and give on key issues. Why not support the US in this though? Why so many negative comments?
Tim, London, UK
Arafat's death removed the greatest obstacle of the past few decades. If the Palestinians are able to control the terrorist groups, then peace will stand a chance. In Israel there is great optimism and Sharon has the courage to make the compromises needed. Abbas certainly seems like a potential partner for peace.
Simon G, Ra'anana, Israel
None of this would have been possible without the security fence, which has dramatically reduced the number of Israeli and Arab deaths. Also, Arafat's timely demise has taken the wind out of the intifada's sails. If these talks can produce a realistic, stable peace the barrier can always be taken down. If they do not, then at least the barrier will prevent more killing on both sides.
Zach Smith, Bloomington, In, USA
Let us hope so. Could it be that Sharon was right all along, and that the biggest obstacle to peace was not Hamas, the US or even the Israeli government, but Arafat himself?
Martin Smith, London
It's hard to be positive with the history of bitterness of the region - people are naturally cynical. But I think something new is happening.
Tim, Brentwood
Let us hope that some productive steps are taken at Sharm al-Sheikh. While I don't expect a breakthrough, the meeting itself should be hailed as progress and should be helped by all sides. The Palestinian people can no longer live in oppression and segregation. The Israeli people can no longer live in fear and paranoia. To those who doubt the usefulness of these talks, imagine the alternative.
Jesse, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Great photo call and a great opportunity for peace. Each side will promise much and do little. Despite all the hype neither of these people is going to bring peace. Both the leaders are of the old guard and neither are ever going to make, or take, or give the concessions needed for real peace. It will be a heart warming feel good hour - but nothing more.
B Morris, Tel Aviv Israel
A ceasefire requires a significant element of trust and willingness to progress peace on both sides. So far this has been sadly lacking. Add to this the political risks for all concerned of 'loss of face' or perceived weakness and it is hard to see how hopes can be high.
Andy D, Oxford, UK
I think that peace between the Israelis and Palestinians is achievable given recent events, although this peace may only be short-term. If peace is achieved between the Israelis and Palestinians, will the peace remain if the region is further de-stabilised by the more than likely US or Israeli military action against Iran? I doubt it.
Mark, UK
Nobody can deny that the Palestinian cause is a just one - the means by which it is accomplished remains a sticking point, once the intifada is abandoned for good Israel will have no choice but to move things forward towards peace.
Jonathan, London, UK
After 50 years of wars, peace negotiations, summits and peace accords with the Jews; we have come to distrust the Israelis and view their 'peace offers' with total scepticism. There will never be peace as long as Sharon leads Israel, and the United States continues interfering in Middle East affairs.
Nizam Yagoub, Saudi Arabia
Nizam Yagoub's comments are unfortunately typical of the Arab world in general, painting not the Israelis but "the Jews" as solely at fault. Hopefully, the Palestinian people will, with the help of Abu Mazen, finally help to bring an end to the unrelenting hatred, bigotry and venom they were raised with and show both sides that a sustainable peace is preferable to warmongering fanatics that trample roughshod over the teachings of Mohammed (peace be upon him).
Rashid Malik, Birmingham, UK
By all means! This is certainly another landmark summit. Recent lull in violence in the Middle East and reconciliatory utterances of existing and emerging players in the region suggest a rapprochement. There is a positive sign of strife-weariness among youths in the region. Come to think of it: if the multi-racial groups in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London etc can fuse together in running some of the world's biggest and best organised economies, there's no reason why the Palestinians and Israelis can't co-exist. After all, the whole world is one bed of strange fellows.
Victor Nwora Aghadi, Chicago, USA
Why is America getting involved in this problem now? Why the sudden involvement by Ms Rice? Bush-lead-America seems hell-bent on involving itself in international affairs, but to what gain? What will they get from peace?
Mark Blogg, London, England
| Peace and freedom do come with a cost, but a cost worth bearing |
The more I read the posts on this site, the more I realise there are some who do not want peace or freedom anywhere because it doesn't come according to their ideal. Peace and freedom do come with a cost, but a cost worth bearing for those who are not faint hearted. In the long run, their children will benefit.
Penny, USA
There can only be hope if the terror-supporting states/entities such as Iran and Hezbollah are stopped from funding/directing/inciting terrorism within the Palestinian territories and also when the Palestinians accept Israel is a reality and here to stay.
Charlotte, Vienna
When one listens carefully to the language used by Israel and the US, the prospects for peace do not look good. For instance, Israel and the US constantly refer to a "contiguous" Palestinian state, meaning a state pockmarked by Jewish settlements, rather than a "continuous" or undivided state. It's unrealistic and unfair to expect the Palestinians to settle for a 'Swiss Cheese' state bounded by a wall that cuts into their territory and overlooked by Jewish settlements.
Howard, Toronto, Canada
Of course there is always hope that things will improve, but as long as self-serving individuals (militant leaders, fundamentalist religious leaders, terrorist organizations, etc) and nations (Iran mainly) gain from instability and disunity in the region then there will be no lasting peace. The 'root' of the disease must be dealt with before there can be a real cure. If an agreement is reached between Israel and the Palestinians at the next summit, that could lead to a real and lasting peace. Nations and leaders that benefit from the current strife will thwart this and make sure that the violence continues somehow.
John, Bloomfield, NJ, USA
I am not optimistic at all. Having seen Camp David negotiations collapse in no time I cease to forecast a better result for the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. With little common sense, one can deduce that the aim behind this summit doesn't exceed its generated propaganda. For Abbas, it's all about cementing his position as the Palestinian president in an attempt to fill the hollow gap Arafat's Death has resided, and to strengthen his grip as the new leader. Yet Ariel Sharon is with no better intentions - mixing papers and down-table manipulations are all he has. With no real intentions to achieve peace, it seems to me that we are certainly ahead of another Camp David...
Ahmed Lashin, Cairo, Egypt
This meeting would have been unimaginable only three months ago. If things continue to improve at this rate we will have permanent peace by the end of the year!
Matthew Freedman, London, UK
Hope? It will take a very brave Ariel Sharon and a very brave Mahmoud Abbas to reach a compromise and push it through. I sadly remember Prime Minister Rabin's murder and the failure of Arafat to stop Hamas and Islamic Jihad just as peace was around the corner.
Omer, Israel/UK
No, there is no hope. As long as we (the West) continue to support Israel's occupation of Palestine no results will be achieved, no matter what the optimism is. The responsibility lies with the Israelis in returning all the territory taken since 1967. As long as they flaunt the UN resolutions, the status quo will remain.
Pat Sumners, England
| There must be hope, but it must be backed by belief |
There must be hope, but it must be backed by belief. Mr Sharon must be able to believe that Mr Abbas can stop terror groups. Similarly Mr Abbas must believe that Mr Sharon can remove the settlements and control the Israeli extreme right and release that land back to the Palestinians. Two major steps that must be taken before hope can start to be fulfilled.
Jim Kirk, Basildon, UK
It would be nice to see US-Palestinian humanitarian aid coming straight from the US-Israel military aid budget.
T Wells, UK
If a truce comes, then there will also be violations of it. What would truly tell if a ceasefire will hold would be how the other side react to such violations. History suggests that reactions will be heavy-handed, and if so, there is little hope. You will note I make no distinction between the sides here, there is little to choose between the hardliners of any faction.
Jon G, Huddersfield, UK
Despite all the progress, in a sense it does not matter what will be declared at the summit. The real test lies in the implementation of the agreement on the ground, whether they are able to make their people line up behind them. In the past month we have seen a very promising beginning, but there is still an awful long way to go on the "roadmap".
Mary McCannon, Budapest, Hungary
Yes, there is hope, but both sides need to take steps to reign in their fundamentalists that believe they alone where given the land by God. Both sides need to realise that they have committed atrocities and take the initiative to make amends with the other.
Brent, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| The Palestinians need to realise that violence against civilians is not the dignified and politically acceptable way to go about it |
In a word, yes. But the Palestinians need to realise that violence against civilians is not the dignified and politically acceptable way to go about it. The rights and wrongs of their cause have been wiped out due to their complete and total lack of regard for the state of Israel and its people. If the Palestinian leadership can be strong and re-assure its people that peace with Israel is the only way forward, instead of encouraging the termination of the state, and complete disregard for its people, then hopefully progress can be made. I have my fingers very much crossed for all involved.
Laura, London
The essential component for the peace summit is that the Palestinians have to stop their terror campaign against Israeli civilians (which is described by Amnesty as a 'war crime' and 'crime against humanity'). Most of the Israelis will support a free Palestinian state and are willing to be cooperative, be peaceful neighbours and help in all measures needed for a better future for the Palestinians, but again the first step should be an immediate stop of the terror...
Tal, Tel Aviv, Israel/Rome, Italy
I sincerely hope that the Israeli government can finally give up its divide and conquer policies towards the Palestinian territories. These policies are illegal and deeply inhumane, what gives them the right? On the other hand however, militancy is never the answer and I hope that Mr Abbas is able to take extremist groups into hand! The best of luck to him in the matter!
T Weston, Ashby, England
| As long as there are people prepared to use violence to get their own way there will never be a truce |
As long as there are people prepared to use violence to get their own way there will never be a truce. The IRA and Loyalists prove this, as do Israelis and Palestinians, never mind Blair/Bush and Islam. There is always guilt on both sides, and always hatred fuelled by the actions of the enemy. What is needed is forgiveness, which is a rare and precious commodity.
Chris, UK Let's hope common sense can prevail on both sides. There will probably never be a better opportunity. If this chance for peaceful co-existence is wasted it will be a long time before another presents itself.
David Nash, Birmingham, UK
No, there is no hope of truce. As long as there are two groups of men who each begin from a different premise, there will never be resolution. The only ray of hope in the Middle East is for the unrepresented and silent majority to speak up and sort out this mess: women. This is one long continuing catastrophe that has never benefited from the insight of women; it is only too clear that us men can't sort it out.
Tom Franklin, London, UK
To Tom Franklin, London, UK: Perhaps you're unaware that women have the vote in Israel? That's more than can be said of any other country in the Middle East. I find it amazing that so many Brits side with totalitarian dictators and supporters of terror over that of the one functioning democracy in the region.
Peter, Nottingham
Of course there is hope. All Sharon has to do is give back the Palestinian lands it stole illegally and stop bulldozing Palestinian houses.
Mohammed Hassan, B'ham, UK
To Mohammed Hassan, B'ham, UK. But where do you draw the border between "Israeli land" and "Palestine"? The PLO claim that all Israel is "stolen land" and is dedicated to "sweeping the state of Israel into the sea" (that's a direct quote from the PLO charter). Perhaps you feel that Sharon should dissolve his entire country and ask his people to commit suicide or move somewhere else? And of course when he doesn't do this he'll be the unreasonable one. It's no wonder there's no solution when so much of the world is opposed to the very theory of a Jewish state.
Peter, Nottingham
Not since the halcyon days of Dr Henry Kissinger have we seen any significant shift in this politically constipated region. That aside, keep the US out of the peace initiative altogether and it stands half a chance.
Patrick V Staton, Guildford, UK I think that there is a great chance for something positive to happen this week. The reason? Arafat is out of the way, that is the most important cause for real hope and real change. As for the ceasefire, it goes without saying that it is easier for Israel to observe it than it is for Abbas to guarantee that each one of the many Palestinian factions will actually behave. I hope Israel will show more patience and restrain if any isolated act of violence threatens this week's great chance for hope and peace.
Bruno Condotta, Treviso, Italy
Home
BBC NEWS CHANNEL
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Or click here for an audio-only version