英语文摘：Israel, Palestinians start to blame each other as talks look shaky

Though not all Israelis thought that the peace talks with the Palestinians were necessary, the talks should be continued, Shamir said.

"If the talks failed, it would be a major mistake for Israel," he said. "I think Israel needs to continue the talks, just like the Palestinians, even if not all our politicians see it that way. "

"I hope the talks will continue," Shamir said.

While the situation might look gloomy at the moment, Khateeb said, there is still hope for the future.

"There are efforts to solve this crisis and this is not the end of the talks," he said.

Speaking of the outcome of the Arab League meeting to be held this week in Cairo, Khatteb said that "I expect the Arab League to back the position taken by the Palestinian National Authority yesterday (Saturday) that there will no talks until the freezing [ of the settlements] is extended."

But even if the Arab League decided to stop the talks, the pause will only be temporary, Masry said.

"The Palestinian National Authority and the Arab World does not believe in any other solution than negotiations," he said, adding that "even if there is a crisis, it will not be the end of the game, they will simply wait until the situation changes."