There is no question that in order to reach a final resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli ongoing deadlock, all parties concerned have to be involved so that an agreeable consensus is reached.
Isolating a particular party has proven to be a grave mistake - one that has only led to a dead-end as far as reaching a final peace settlement is concerned.
As former US president Jimmy Carter prepared to embark on a tour of the Middle East, pressure and criticism have mounted against him because of a planned meet with Hamas leaders during the visit.
The attacks are unjustifiable as the US-led policy of boycotting and isolating Hamas has been futile and failed to achieve any constructive objective.
Did the boycott bring about peace? Has it paved the way for a lasting peace? Has it in any way helped to bring the two-state solution closer to reality?
"I think there's no doubt in anyone's mind that, if Israel is ever going to find peace with justice concerning the relationship with their next-door neighbours, the Palestinians, that Hamas will have to be introduced in the process. I think someone should be meeting with Hamas to see what we can do to encourage them to be cooperative," said Carter.
The derailed and ailing peace process has only brought about further misery to the Palestinians and has distanced the attainment of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The on-off and off-on meetings between Israeli and Palestinians leaders have been confined to being ineffective if not pointless and useless. Is it not reasonable to seriously question the Hamas-boycott policy and introduce fresh ideas for the peace process?
At this point, all opportunity should be seized and not be derailed or obstructed - that is if results are to be realised with regards to the peace process.
