There is an important element that is considered to be an integral part to the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.
The construction of colonies in the occupied West Bank is an obstacle to peace and unless this is perceived as such, all efforts towards attaining peace are useless.
Israel has recently announced the approval of the construction of 500 new homes in the West Bank colony of Shilo, in addition to legalising more than 200 that were built without permits.
These approvals have been granted by a committee that is part of the defence ministry. The Palestinian National Authority has criticised the decision as it undermines the two-state solution.
"These decisions are designed primarily to attack and destroy the option of the two-state solution. We strongly condemn this new colony decision, which once again confirms beyond any doubt that the government of Israel has chosen settlement [colony] instead of peace", said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.
It is clear that the Middle East Quartet has failed in its mandate as it has turned a blind eye to Israel's actions. This will prove in the future to be costly as there is a limit to the extent to which people can tolerate injustice.
