Most everybody seems to have given up on the idea that peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians could resume.

Not France, however. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has recently proposed holding a peace conference on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict this summer in Paris, rekindling optimism and, in the process, apparently “surprising” the US whose Secretary of State Hillary Clinton questioned the practicality of holding such a conference when the two sides are so far apart.

The US has decided to adopt a wait-and-see attitude for the time being, perhaps awaiting for signs that the two parties can bridge their differences on the “parameters” or the frame work of any fresh peace talks; all such talks have been stalled now for months because of Israel’s obstinacy to carry on settlement constructions on stolen Palestinian lands.

The Palestinians welcomed the French initiative, ignoring the US’ lukewarm reception of the idea that even Israel promised to study.

It could be that Tel Aviv avoided opposing the suggestion outright for fear that such move would harm its already dented image. Whatever the reason, with hope springing eternal, one dares hope that France will succeed where the US has failed: in bringing the Palestinians and the Israelis to the negotiating table, again.

Even if the two sides only get there, the French deserve to be congratulated. If, through some miracle, they reach some understanding, that should prove that perseverance and goodwill pay off.

The hope, for us in the region, is that Israel will wake up to the reality that it cannot live forever isolated or as an occupier that keeps a whole nation captive to its unrealistic dream.