Peace talks move to Palestinian refugee issue
Media reports indicate that the thorny issue of the right of return is being discussed at the US-brokered Palestinian-Israeli talks.
![LEBANON/ A Palestinian woman embroiders a map of Palestine to mark the 61st anniversary of Nakba at the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut May 15, 2009. Palestinians mark Nakba as a day of mourning for the establishment of Israel in 1948 after which an Arab-Israeli war brought the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. REUTERS/Jamal Saidi (LEBANON ANNIVERSARY POLITICS) - RTXH51I](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2014/01/RTXH51I.jpg/RTXH51I.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=NA9mZuke)
Although the United States has insisted to the Israelis and Palestinians that all five permanent-status issues are part of the US-brokered negotiations, it was only when an Israeli radio report mentioned the issue that the topic suddenly gained credibility in the eyes of many skeptics. The Palestine News Network ran a short translation from Israeli radio, confirming that US Secretary of State John Kerry had made reference to the issue of Palestinian refugees and that he had put forward four locations for their absorption.
Kerry’s suggestion no doubt reflects the various discussions, differences and understandings between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinians have repeatedly insisted that Israel acknowledge its historic and moral responsibility in creating the Palestinian refugee problem. Many expect that this issue, more than any actual agreement on numbers, could be the gateway to a breakthrough.