The announcement on Monday that Syrian President Bashar Al Assad will study a proposal by the United Nations envoy to Syria to “freeze” fighting in Aleppo should generate scepticism rather than optimism, Lebanon’s Daily Star said. “There are few indications that the regime will agree to any let-up in the ‘war on terror’ it is waging against its own people. Under such conditions, it is difficult to envision UN peace making efforts with both sides seriously committed to the process. This year, with the failure of Geneva and the world’s attention focused on [Daesh or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] and other Al Qaida splinter groups, and not the Syrian regime’s actions, [Al] Assad can only feel himself in a stronger position and less likely to make compromises. The UN is now on its third envoy, Steffan de Mistura, after the missions of his two predecessors failed to achieve anything. If the UN truly believes in the possibility of ending the war, its initiatives should exploit this — but if [Al] Assad’s ‘study’ period leads to only more death and destruction, the UN will only be a partner in prolonging the conflict.”

Commenting on the issue, Qatar’s Al Sharq said that the initiative launched by de Mistura to freeze fighting in Aleppo is a glimmer of hope for ending the war and working towards secure ways to deliver humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. “The ‘humanitarian ceasefire’ requires the Syrian regime’s commitment to stop the fighting. The Friends of Syria Group must take all necessary measures to ensure the success of the initiative, thereby foiling any attempt by the Syrian regime to benefit from the ceasefire or war that it is waging against Daesh in order to achieve its objectives ...”

With Israel agressively continuing with its policy of colony expansion, as time passes, the chances of an independent state of Palestine are seemingly receding, noted the Oman Tribune. “With more and more territory being grabbed in the West Bank and [occupied] East Jerusalem by Israel to build ... [colonies], and with more and more ... [colonist] homes being built, the Palestinians will soon be living in patches of land that will be unviable for an independent country ... At the same time, all attempts by the Palestinians to seek justice are being thwarted.”

The Jordan Times said Arab summits used to be held when similar Israeli attacks on the holy places in occupied East Jerusalem took place. Today’s violations are even more serious. “Isn’t this a good reason for the Arab states to meet and issue some statement of condemnation, at least? Asking the world to intervene should be an act of last resort. But shouldn’t the Arabs put their house in order first?”

The statement issued by Federica Mogherini, European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Chief, saying colonies are an obstacle to the two-state solution, is a welcome observation. However, it is just talk that does not lead to any progress towards the two-state solution, said the UAE’s Al Khaleej. “The words are not in line with the actions. One cannot interpret that this is due to the EU’s inability to take firm action ... The Zionist entity is not only stirring up issues, but is also waging continuous wars and indulging in flouting international resolutions.”