President Barack Obama expressed his interest in resuming Middle East peace talks in Washington between Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Yetanahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, according to USA TODAY.
While Obama is hopeful of the talks, he warned of the difficult road ahead.
"The most difficult work of these negotiations is ahead, and I am hopeful that both the Israelis and Palestinians will approach these talks in good faith and with sustained focus and determination," Obama said in a written statement, according to USA Today. "The United States stands ready to support them throughout these negotiations, with the goal of achieving two states, living side by side in peace and security."
The talks, which have been stalled since 2010, were followed by six visits to the Middle East region by Secretary of State John Kerry in the last five months. Earlier Monday, the talks were confirmed once Israel agreed to release more than 100 Palestinian prisoners over a period of months. The Israeli cabinet was reportedly split on the decision to free to prisoners.
Kerry admitted to reporters on Monday that it will be a challenge but believes "the consequences of not trying will be worse."
At the press conference, Kerry was accompanied by Ambassador Martin Indyk, who the former Senator from Massachusetts, just named as the U.S. Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations. Indyk, 62, was an important part in the unsuccessful Camp David talks in 2000 under President Bill Clinton.
When speaking about resuming the peace talks, Indyk emphasized that it will be a "daunting and humbling task," but one that he "cannot desist from." He also said he is looking forward to "to achieve President Obama's vision of two states, living side by side in peace and security."
Major issues anticipated to be discussed include Israeli settlements on the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem, and the fate of Palestinian refugees. However, the issue of settlements was the cause of the talks stopping in 2010 and are considered illegal under international law, although Israeli argues differently.
