Palestinian and Israeli negotiators are scheduled to start a fifth round of talks this week in order to pave the way for a final peace agreement next September. This target seems ambitious and, albeit, “difficult”, particularly in light of Israel’s continuous and unjustified postponement in the implementation of signed agreements.

Under the provisions of existing agreements, Israel was obliged to carry out the second phase of redeployment last Monday, however, due to its insistence of handing over lightly Palestinian-populated areas only, the current negotiations are facing obstacles, thus the redeployment is delayed.

The achievement of “real” peace in the region requires a more serious commitment by Israel; broken promises will only add more obstacles to an already difficult peace process.