Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Monday that a lull between Israel and the Palestinians "would for sure save and protect the peace talks between the two sides."
"We always said we are not against negotiations and not against the peace process, but I also say that negotiations have to be protected by reaching a lull agreement and by stopping the settlements' activities," Erekat told reporters.
The talks between Israel and the Palestinians were halted two weeks ago following an Israeli military offensive on the Gaza Strip that left around 120 Palestinians killed.
After the Israeli army offensive on Gaza, a lull, though not explicitly declared between Israel and the Palestinians, had fallen on the Gaza Strip for more than ten days following an Egyptian mediation between the two sides.
Hamas movement, which has been controlling the enclave since June last year, had stopped rockets attacks on Israel.
However, the Islamic Jihad (Holy War), which had seven of its members killed in both Gaza and the West Bank, had rejected the lull and resumed rocket attacks on Israel.
"We can give an opportunity to the peace negotiations through reaching a comprehensive lull and stopping all settlements activities," said Erekat, adding that "the entire situation is needed to be previewed."
Asked about U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to the region, where he is expected to hold talks with President Mahmoud Abbas, Erekat said, "President Abbas would brief Mr. Cheney on the ongoing Israeli violations."
Source: Xinhua
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