by Paul Dakiki

The agreement went into effect this morning, and appears to be part of a series of initiatives on the part of Olmert toward all the neighbouring countries, from Syria to Lebanon, and toward Hezbollah itself. For the king of Jordan, it would be "a serious mistake" to let this year end without creating a Palestinian state beside a "secure and recognised" Israel.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - At six o'clock - two hours after an Israeli air raid - the six-month truce between the Jewish state and Hamas went into effect.  It is a truce more fragile than ever, "the last chance" for Hamas, in the words of Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, who in these days seems particularly committed to seeking the path for peace with his neighbours.  It is difficult to say how much of this is due to pressure from president Bush, who wants to mark the end of his presidential mandate with a profound shift in the Middle East, or to the difficult situation of Olmert himself, involved in serious corruption allegations.

The fact remains that something appears to be happening, even if it is with the most tenuous support.  The cease-fire with Hamas, mediated by Egypt, comes following news of talks with Syria, mediated by Turkey - and with the prospect of a direct meeting between Olmert and the Syrian president next month in Paris - by the request for "dialogue" with Lebanon, and by attempts to exchange prisoners with Hezbollah.  Practically the entire list of Israel's old and new enemies.

On the Arab side, openness and caution can be seen from the Syrians, declarations of principle from the Lebanese, and attempts at political exploitation from the Party of God.  Much of the action seems to be predictable, like the statement from Lebanese prime minister Fouad Siniora, who yesterday rejected the idea of advanced negotiations by Israel over the Shebaa Farms - about thirty square kilometres on the border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon - occupied by the Jewish state.  "There is no room for bilateral negotiations", the statement affirms, recalling the UN's position on the need for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory.  With Hezbollah in its midst, it could not express itself otherwise.  But the same note refers to the Arab plan for a "comprehensive and just" peace.

Significant, in this context, is the statement from one side that has already made its peace with Israel.  King Abdullah of Jordan opened a conference in Petra yesterday with 29 Nobel peace laureates.  They included Israeli president Shimon Peres. "It would be a serious mistake", said King Abdullah, "to miss the opportunities we have this year to establish, finally, a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state along with a secure and recognised Israel".  "The Middle East", he added, "must move out of this threat zone. The single most important step is peace - a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict".  This is the drumbeat of the "moderate" Arab countries, originating from a Saudi plan.  But there's no response on this from Israel.

• Middle
• East
• peace
• ceasefire
• truce
• Hamas
• Hezbolah
• Israel
• Palestine
• Lebanon
• Syria
• Jordan