Chief Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat said Sunday the Palestinians and Israel have begun a four-month proximity talks through the mediation of the United States.

The talks bring new opportunities to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process after an 18-month hiatus.

Since Israel's "Operation Cast Lead" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip from the end of 2008 to early 2009, the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been deadlocked, causing tremendous pressure on both sides.

Amid changing international and regional situations, the two sides managed to agree on holding proximity talks and reviving the peace process. This represents an encouraging step forward and a wise move that is in their best interest.

The proximity talks would reportedly last four months, with agenda in the initial stage focusing on such general issues as borders and security rather than on details. The talks would then gradually shift to crucial issues such as East Jerusalem, refugees and Jewish settlements. As Erekat has predicted, the proximity talks would be very tough and complicated.

The proximity talks mark only the first step toward solving numerous thorny issues and achieving comprehensive peace. The talks are aimed at bringing both sides back to the negotiating table for face-to-face direct talks.

Both sides should be fully aware that any moves detrimental to mutual trusts would ruin peace efforts and endanger the peace process again.

Therefore, only when both sides show sincerity, honor their commitments, and strive to create a favorable environment for lasting peace, can people dispel their worries and misgivings about the prospect of the peace talks.

Negotiations are the only option for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. To seek comprehensive peace in the Middle East that takes into account the interests of all parties, Israel and the Palestinians have no other choice but to deal with tough issues by making painful compromise in direct talks.

Much to the regret of all, Israel and Palestinians have missed one opportunity after another in peace process during the past decades since the 1993 Oslo Agreement. It is noteworthy that Palestinian leaders emphatically asked to give peace another chance when they agreed to start the proximity talks. However, it is far more important for both sides to seize the chance and make progress in peace talks when the opportunity for peace reappears. This will be a tough test to the political wisdom and courage of all parties concerned in the months to come.