UNITED NATIONS — The "Quartet" of Mideast peacemakers welcomed Monday Israel's pledge to immediately ease the blockade of goods into Hamas-ruled Gaza, but the groups says the situation remains "unsustainable" and a long-term solution is urgently needed.
A statement released by the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations expresses support for Israel's "legitimate security concerns" while calling for the resumption of long-stalled peace talks.
Proximity talks should lead to direct negotiations without preconditions and "a settlement, negotiated between the parties within 24 months," the Quartet said.
