Thus could we reach the Sharm El Sheikh agreement on a timeline for the implementation of the signed agreements, paving the way to the resumption of the negotiations on permanent status formally opened in May 1996, but never conducted. This will create the conditions for fruitful negotiations on permanent status, while allowing us to pursue, with the help and support of the international community, the construction of our economy and the democratic development of our society. But none of this, dear friends, will be of any avail unless Israeli settlement activities on the Palestinian territory stop effectively, and not selectively. Settlements, all settlements, are illegal. Above all, settlements are obstacles to peace, and they are also war-horses, the bastions and the banner of the enemies of Peace.
Settlements are instruments of war, of conquest, of confiscation by force.
They are incompatible with peace. A total freeze of all forms of settlement activity, land seizure and closure is a basic condition of success for the impending negotiations, where we will discuss the future of the existing settlements. This applies equally to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and Jerusalem is also on the agenda of our talks. Allow me, dear friends, to say a word about international legality. International legality is indivisible.