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A jab in the peace process

ISRAEL is at it again. Ehud Olmert has categorically refused to take part in any kind of peace negotiations with Hamas, which was reportedly keen on a ceasefire with the country, if the group doesn't abide by principles laid down by the Quartet of Middle East negotiators consisting of the US, the UN, the EU and Russia.

He hasn't minced words, describing the situation in Gaza as nothing short of a "true war" between the Israeli defence forces and "terrorist elements". So much for Annapolis peace talks!

Israel maintains that Hamas is disregarding the Quartet principles that call for, among other things, recognition of Israel and an end to violence. In other words, there is no room for dialogue with Hamas and strikes on the group will continue. Evidently, what Israel is actually planning to do is to contain the Hamas movement.

Contrary to promises made about halting settlement expansion during the initial stages of the US road map for Middle East peace, Isreali authorities have revealed that they will continue expanding settlements in occupied West Bank and annexed East Jerusalem. The announcement does threaten to derail the so-called Isreali-Palestinian peace process. Though it is pointing the finger at Hamas, Israel itself seems to defy all principles of peace negotiations.

In the meantime, the US has said it will review the peace process in the Middle East in a confidential manner and will divulge details regarding which party is failing to keep its end of the bargain only if the administration deems it necessary. While Palestinians have called for transparency, Isreal has voted for secrecy. Of course, for Israel, in a way, actions speak louder than words!