(VOVworld) – Palestine and Israel have shown a willingness to resume peace negotiations, but the public is skeptical about the success of the talks because of gaping differences on a number of issues.

Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and the Prime Minister’s political advisor Yakov Molcho will represent Israel and senior negotiator Saeb Erakat will represent Palestine at preliminary talks in Washington. Israel and Palestine have agreed to allow US ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk to serve as mediator. Both sides hope to reach a temporary peace agreement toward establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank after Israel withdraws its presence there though no final decision on a borderline will be made. To make this happen will require tight security arrangements by the US, Israel and Palestine and the removal of a number of Jewish settlements.

An Israeli official on Monday announced it would set free approximately 80 Palestinian prisoners who are serving long-term sentences. The release will begin when peace negotiations resume and will be conducted in different phases. Israeli President Shimon Perez described the resumption of talks as a great opportunity for both Israel and Palestine and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it is vital to Israel, which is entering the negotiations with integrity and honesty.

The world community has hailed the resumption of Israel-Palestine peace talks. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said Israeli and Palestinian leaders should show their courage and responsibility by sustaining the resumed talks. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Katherine Ashton said there is finally the prospect of achieving the goal of peace, security and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it believes both sides will reach an agreement to promote peace in the Middle East during their preliminary talks.

Although hopes are high, realistic observers are aware of the prospect’s uncertainty. President Perez has admitted that the negotiations will be difficult. The Palestinians have insisted that Israeli accept the pre-1967 borders as the starting point for border demarcation. Meanwhile, right-wing allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu say Israel should not make any concession. Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon has said it would be a mistake for Israel to take part in the negotiations on Palestine’s terms.

Representatives of Hamas, which controls the Gaza strip say Palestine’s return to the negotiating table runs counter to national sentiment. Hamas says President Mahmoud Abbas has no legitimate right to negotiate for the Palestinians.