There is no way of bringing an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict except through a peace agreement that is just and equal, and gives Palestinians their rights. Hence, the 1967 borders are central to any peace talks for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israel has repeatedly stated that it would not accept the 1967 borders as the basis of negotiations for a Palestinian state, and this was made very clear by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As a matter of fact, Netanyahu has claimed to be a supporter of reaching a peace deal while at the same time continuing to approve the building of colonies on occupied Palestinian land.
Such a hypocritical approach has to stop. And it is for this reason that chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said after meeting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that talks could not begin until Netanyahu formally accepts the principle of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
"We've been negotiating for years now and one thing is very clear: a lack of a colony freeze and clear terms of reference have only led to a de-legitimisation of the peace process. We cannot afford to go down this path any longer. It is time for Mr Netanyahu to understand that for a just and lasting peace to prevail we need decisions, not a PR campaign. The ball is in his court," said Erekat.
Yet looking at the situation in its broader context, it is not the Palestinians who hold the power to push the peace process on the right track.
There is a crucial role that must be played out by the US. It must take greater responsibility — if it is at all interested in bringing about a lasting peace in the region.
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