Public reaction to cease fire between Israel and Palestine

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-27-2006 13:46

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinians is being met with mixed reaction.

Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Sunday, hours after the truce took effect and Israeli forces pulled out. Examining the tracks left behind by Israeli tanks, Palestinians hailed the cease fire agreement But they also say they wish for Israel's sincere commitment.

Resident said,"The agreement is a positive move, and we are behind any solution that leads to the Palestinian rights. We are not for violence. We are against violence. Although Israelis are he ones who start the violence. And they destroy our land, trees, cattle, our people and houses."

Resident said,"Our tool for commitment within the Palestinian people is unity. We hope to unite with all sides. We will commit to the agreement, but where is Israeli's commitment? What is going to make Israel commit to this agreement? We've had millions of agreements with the Israeli side and they have never committed to any. Since his presidency, what commitment has Mahmoud Abbas received from the Israeli side?"

On the streets of Jerusalem however, Israelis were skeptical that the cease fire would hold.

Resident of Jerusalem said,"It's going to take two sides who really, really want to engage in the cease fire. But, from bitter previous experience, I doubt that it's going to last. I am very sad about that."

The cease fire could pave the way for a long-awaited summit between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on various ways to maintain peace.

Editor:Sun Luying