(JUNE 24-30)

According to reports, another attempt by the US to broker the resumption of peace talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership has achieved no breakthrough, while the US Secretary of State John Kerry hailed “real progress” in the efforts. The Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat said there had been no breakthrough, and that Israel wanted to resume negotiations while continuing settlement construction in occupied Palestinian territories. Kerry described the talks as “positive” and pledged to return to the region. Reports noted that Israeli officials have refused to work on key issues for Palestinians, such as return to pre-1967 borders. In a move likely to impede peace efforts, Israel has pushed through plans to build nearly 1,000 new homes in occupied East Jerusalem. 1

• 1. “Kerry winds up marathon Mideast talks”, The Daily Star, June 30, 2013 at http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Jun-30/222048-no-break...