Let it be a lasting ceasefire

Photo: AFP

After the deaths of 160 Palestinians, including 10 of a family and 5 Israelis during a few days' conflict, a ceasefire has been announced with the effort of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. It is reported that US President Barack Obama spoke to the Egyptian President and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on the night of November 19, 2012. We were very upset about the escalation of violence and are now feeling relieved by the news of ceasefire. We hope the ceasefire will not be temporary; the world leaders must take steps to make it permanent. The Palestinians are the victims; they are deprived of their land and have been living under occupation for so many years. They have the right to live with dignity. The USA, the Arab countries and others must try to execute a two-state plan so that Palestine and Israel can exist side by side in total harmony. This is the only solution to permanent peace and we hope Israel will not object to it.