Kerry says Israeli-Palestinian gaps narrowed ‘significantly’

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry voiced confidence on Wednesday he was on track toward achieving “soon” a resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, saying gaps had been greatly narrowed.

“We have been able to narrow these gaps very significantly. And so we continue to get closer and I continue to remain hopeful that the sides can soon be able to come and sit at the same table," Kerry told a news conference in Amman, where he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab officials.

“Israel needs to look hard at this initiative, which promises Israel peace with 22 Arab nations and 35 Muslim nations – a total of 57 nations that are standing and waiting for the possibility of making peace with Israel.”

The Arab League peace place, which was put forth by Saudi Arabia at a summit in Beirut in 2002, offered full recognition of Israel. However, the Jewish state would have to give up all land seized in the 1967 Middle East war and agree to a “just solution” for Palestinian refugees.

(With Reuters)