09Feb.2005

The summit of Sharm Al-Sheikh, held yesterday in Egypt gathered leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel. A number of decisions resulted from this meeting, the most important of which was the declaration of ceasefire between Palestinians and Israelis. This is in addition to the Israeli commitment to release a number of Palestinian prisoners, withdraw from some areas from the West Bank and Gaza, and to ease movement at checkpoints and crossings.

We hope that this meeting which comes after a series of new developments will constitute a new opportunity for gaining stability in the region and restoring hope of the possibility to achieve peace in the region.

Palestinian leadership has expressed its strategic commitment to peace and negotiation as a way to reach a just political solution.

We view this meeting as a good start which needs further measures of trust building and a first step of putting the peace process back on track.

The international community especially the Quartet is obligated to provide all possible means of political and financial support for the peace process. Special assistance should be given to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people to enable them to overcome all problems and obstacles they face. In particular, the challenge of rebuilding the infrastructure and institutions destroyed by years of occupation and violence. Furthermore, it is necessary to implement reforms that will guarantee the rule of law, and strengthen democracy as well as respect for human rights. The Palestinian Authority should continue to take practical measures to maintain order and calmness in the occupied territories. On the other side, pressure should be exerted on Israel to grant Palestinians their rights in accordance with international resolutions and conventions as well as international and humanitarian law.

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme