Apparently, the only point of agreement between Palestinian and Israeli negotiators is their belief that it is too early for a summit. Even the diplomatic offensive of US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has failed to convince either side to make a commitment to holding a US-hosted summit that would attempt to facilitate agreement over final status issue.

Top Israeli and Palestinian officials have clearly asserted that there are still great differences to be resolved before a summit could be held. Key Palestinian negotiator, Sa’eb Erekat, stated that “…holding a summit too soon -and risking its failure- would be catastrophic.” Bilateral talks would have to resume in order to narrow the gaps and pave the way for a more decisive setting on final status issues.

President Arafat has made it clear that he would declare a Palestinian state in September, with or without Israel’s consent; an issue which Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, considers “dangerous” altogether.

Yet Israel’s failure to abide by signed agreements, its continued violations of Palestinians rights, and its non-compliance with international law have left the peace process in its current stagnant situation.

The coming months will determine the fate of the peace process. US President, Bill Clinton, has pledged to commit the final stages of his presidency to peace in the Middle East. Yet what is needed for the peace process to succeed is a clear and firm commitment by Israel to honor its agreements with the Palestinians by implementing a full withdrawal from Palestinian territories, and most importantly, by implementing UN Resolutions 242, 181, 338, and 194.