The announcement that Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to resume long-stalled peace talks is an important step forward, but celebrations will be muted. All concerned are well aware of the many pitfalls that lie ahead and the possibility — indeed the likelihood — that a genuine agreement will continue to prove elusive.

Still, the decision to resume substantive negotiations in two weeks, with a goal toward reaching a deal within nine months is to be applauded.

Now, it is incumbent on all with a stake in a settlement — and that includes just about every nation — to push the sides toward compromise and provide the assistance that makes an enduring deal possible.