Israel must make "painful concessions" to help achieve Mideast peace by giving up some Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in Sunday's editions of the newspaper Ha'aretz.
I hope these are more than just words from Sharon and I hope there is someone, perhaps the new Palestinian Prime Minister, who will listen and meet for peace discussions. I am highly skeptical due to actions on both sides and the constant derailment of peace negotiations. If there is anywhere that the UN can show its worth, it would be in administering an equitable end to fighting and the question of Palestine but they haven't appeared up to the task since the British left.In a further reference to the settlements, which have been one of many sticking points in reaching an accord between Israelis and Palestinians, Sharon said, "Look, we are talking about the cradle of the Jewish people. Our whole history is bound up with these places.
"Bethlehem, Shiloh, Beit El. And I know that we will have to part with some of these places," he said.
"As a Jew, this agonizes me. But I have decided to make every effort to reach a settlement. I feel that the rational necessity to reach a settlement is overcoming my feelings."
Edit: oops, forgot to link the article.