A lesson must be learned from this outcome and applied as the talks are resumed so that the same mistake is not repeated and expectations again are not met. The failure to address Palestinian calls for a just peace has resulted in a massive structural violence that takes a daily toll on Palestinians. This is a violence that is not much talked about, but it is a most destructive kind of violence. The United States also has very practical and valid reasons to focus on the goal of a non-military, peacefully negotiated and just settlement. The unresolved conflict and repeated eruptions of violence threaten to destabilize the region.
Peace is made when enemies dare to talk.
Congressional resolutions and other such statements that point fingers and that threaten one party to the conflict are not helpful. This is a time for restraint, for calm, and for keeping our eyes on the prize of a compassionate peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.