Hi °C | Lo °C The Palestinians have, since 1948, continuously squandered the opportunity for nationhood.
First, they rejected the UN partition plan of 1947, then 20 years later, after the Six-Day War, they, along with the united Arab command, pronounced the infamous three 'noes' in response to Israel's offer to negotiate 'everything' - no recognition of Israel, no negotiations and no peace.
Today, Israel has shown willingness to negotiate with even the most nefarious terrorist organisation - Hamas - in return for Gilad Shalit.
More than 1,000 Palestinians have been released; many are multiple-murderers who have been justly tried and sentenced.
Yet Israel has made this very painful concession. Deeds, not rhetoric, speak volumes.
ANDREW J SHAW
Belfast
