A senior official in the Palestinian Authority has stated that President Abbas is expected to ask for the involvement of a third party in negotiations that can oversee the implementation of an agreement reached during the upcoming international peace conference in November. According to the source, speaking under condition of anonymity, Israel has already signalled its approval of a third party working in the region, and is expected to agree to an international body undertaking such a role. It has not yet been agreed on what countries would be represented in this mediatorial role, but suggestions have been made of Japan, the Arab League and the European Union.

Quote: "The senior Palestinian figure says the international body would be able to determine how agreements between the sides are to be implemented, hinting that what will be involved are a force of observers, able to separate the two sides and decide controversial issues. The senior official said the PA would agree to a formula in which the international body would function in a similar fashion to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The makeup of the international body and its authority will be determined during the summit, but an agreement may be reached even sooner, according to the senior Palestinian source. The same source pointed out that Israel had already agreed to a role for such an international body during negotiations with the PA in 2000 and 2001.

I find this news particularly interesting, because we know the Bible states that the European Union will be involved in a big way in securing peace in the region. The Antichrist, whom it is prophesied will come from a Revived Roman Empire (Daniel 9:26), will strengthen a future agreement between Israel and the nations (Daniel 9:27), and will divide the land for his own gain (Daniel 11:39). Following the Second Lebanese War last July, Israeli Prime Minister Olmert stated that Israel desires an "enternal covenant of peace" with their Arab neighbours. This year Olmert and Abbas have embarked on a process which will lead to the formulation of that covenant. Although this article states that Israel would approve of a third party being involved in the negotiations, Israeli President Shimon Peres has up until now insisted that there is no alternative to direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Clearly the EU is in the prime position to fulfill a mediatorial role in the Middle East. This news, that Abbas and Olmert may be willing to have a third party involved in the peace process, brings the prospect of the fulfilment of Daniel 9:27 ever closer.

Daniel 9:27
And he (Antichrist) shall confirm (strengthen) the covenant with many (nations) for one week (seven years): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Source Haaretz, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs