Nor, given the position of successive Israeli governments, can Mr Arafat promise anything from the final-status talks, except, perhaps, a vow not to renounce the right of return.

ECONOMIST: Palestinian refugees

Livni ignored the fact she herself demanded that the Palestinians renounce the so-called "right of return, " and blamed Netanyahu for all the unpleasantness.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Israel's premier opportunist

The Palestinians need to answer some questions about how they can credibly negotiate with Israel when -- given their reconciliation with Hamas, and Hamas has yet to renounce terrorism, renounce violence, or recognize the right of Israel to exist.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Hamas has refused to renounce violence, recognise Israel's right to exist or accept peace accords between the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority and Israel.

BBC: Gaza: Fatah holds biggest rally since Hamas came to power

Hamas -- a Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, where about 37 percent of Palestinians live -- has been barred from the negotiations because of its refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist and renounce terrorism.

CNN: Analysis: Small steps a way to broader Mideast peace?