Gap 'still deep'

Palestinian concerns included Israeli settlement construction and humanitarian issues in West Bank and Gaza Strip, while Israel raised its security concerns and urged the Palestinians to rein in militants.

The ongoing construction of Jewish settlements was the main issue raised by the Palestinian representatives, which senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said "occupied a large part of the negotiations."

He noted that the gap was still deep between the two sides, saying that the continuation of settlement activities "eats up" the credibility of the peace process and "undermines the possibility of reaching a peace agreement."

In response to Israeli Defense Ministry's recent declarations indicating the removal of 60 roadblocks across West Bank, Erekat said the blockade remains "hermetic," claiming that the West Bank "is turning into a big prison, just like Gaza."

As of the coastal strip, the Palestinians expressed their fears over the humanitarian situation, upon which Israel has imposed a blockade in response to militants' rocket fire at Israeli communities.

Olmert replied that Israel was committed to preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, according to local daily Ha'aretz.

"Both sides today raised concerns," Negev said, "but they agreed that the negotiations will go on."

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2008)