Speaking during a four-day visit to Tokyo, Olmert said Israel has the "desire" to reach an agreement with the Palestinians this year. But he added he was not sure Israel would be able to meet that goal.

Mr. Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas restarted peace talks late last year at a U.S.-led summit in Annapolis, Maryland near Washington.

Olmert said his government will make every effort to settle its long-standing differences with the Palestinians, including defining a Palestinian state.

Olmert's comments come one day after a major demonstration in the Gaza Strip, during which thousands of Palestinians formed a human chain to protest Israel's blockade of the Hamas-controlled territory.

Israel imposed the blockade last month after Hamas militants increased rocket attacks against the town of Sderot.

International human rights groups have condemned the blockade, saying it collectively punishes innocent civilians.

Source: By VOA News