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Is There Really Peace in the Middle East?

Finally. Peace in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, and Palestine’s leader Mahmoud Abbas called a truce last month at the Peace Summit held in Egypt. Unfortunately, just two days after the agreement, Palestinians attacked Israeli homes with mortars of fire and killed three inmates at Gaza strip jail.

Due to this incident Omar Ashur, Abbas fired security commander for southern Gaza, Maj. Gen. Abdel Razek Majaidem, head of the National Security Guard, and Saeb al-Ajis, a police commander.

At the meeting, both men agreed to end all acts of violence. Israel also promised to end military occupation of Palestinian settlements.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two of Palestine’s militant groups, have also decided to stop their assaults and to date have kept up their end of the bargain, as well as Israel.

Sharon pulled out of Gaza and four settlements in the northern West Bank. Following this, he said it was the hardest decision he ever made but knew it would ensure a safer future between both countries. Sharon also released 500 Palestinian prisoners.

Jewish residents of the soon to be Palestinian led lands, however, are already putting up resistance. According to CNN.com, leaders called on supporters to begin "an aggressive and strong struggle," but not engage in violence.

Nevertheless, this cease-fire was truly monumental and historic considering that this marked the first time there had been a meeting between an Israeli leader and a Palestinian leader in more than four years.

"We really hope this day will be the day that marks the relaunching of the process for a better future that will lead us towards mutual respect and peace in the Middle East," said Sharon after the summit.

The situation in the Middle East is still just in the beginning stages but the question is: Will it last so that more leaders and countries will follow?