We, as Palestinians and Israelis, view with deep apprehension the
violence that has gripped the land. We are shocked and saddened by
the massive loss of life on both sides and by the current Israeli
government's policies that set out to destroy the infrastructure of
the Palestinian Authority and its economic, educational, health and
other institutions, as well as the Palestinian private sector and
civil life.
Israeli forces must withdraw immediately from recently reoccupied
Palestinian territories and lift the siege and closure imposed on
the Palestinian cities, towns, villages, refugee camps in the West
Bank and Gaza. A joint effort should be invested to stop terror and
violence on both sides. An international force is urgently needed
to stabilize a ceasefire conducive to a political settlement based
upon mutual recognition and coexistence. A lasting peace can only
be based upon the implementation of UN resolutions 242, 338, 1397,
1402 and 1403: Israel's withdrawal from all the lands occupied
since June 1967, the establishment of a Palestinian state with East
Jerusalem as its capital, and a just solution to the Palestinian
refugee problem. The peace initiative offered at the Arab League
summit in Beirut represents the best opportunity for such a lasting
peace.
This fateful prospect must not be squandered.
