Obama: Direct Talks Will 'End the Occupation'

U.S. President Barack Obama announced Wednesday afternoon he is optimistic his team would succeed in jumpstarting direct talks aimed at ending Israel’s “occupation” and leading to formation of a new Palestinian Authority country.
Obama remains convinced that his administration will be able to announce a final status agreement between Israel and the PA within a year.  “These will be direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. These negotiations are intended to resolve all final status issues," Obama stated firmly. "The goal is a settlement negotiated between the parties, that ends the occupation which began in 1967 and results in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with a Jewish state of Israel and its other neighbors. That’s the vision we are pursuing.”
"So the hard work is only beginning. Neither success nor failure is inevitable. But this much we know: If we do not make the attempt, then failure is guaranteed… If all sides persevere, in good faith and with a sense of purpose and possibility, we can build a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (English Standard Version) 

²For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. ⁴But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.