In response to John Kerry's speech, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he is convinced that a peace with Israel is achievable, but he continues to demand that Israel stop settlement building before talks restart. In a statement, Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said Abbas had reiterated his commitment to peace. 

"President Mahmoud Abbas followed with great interest tonight Secretary of State John Kerry's speech and reiterated his full commitment to a just peace as a strategic option and said, the minute the Israeli government agrees to cease all settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem, and agrees to implement on the basis of reciprocity, agreements signed, that the Palestinian leadership stands ready to resume permanent status negotiations on the basis of international law," he said.