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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Israel early Thursday (December 5), on a trip that aims to restore confidence in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Both sides say the talks are faltering. Sixteen Palestinians and four Israelis have been killed since negotations kicked off last July.

Palestinian officials say the two sides remain divided on the key issues of borders, security, the status of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees.

Palestinians say Israel's continued building of settlements has hurt the chances for peace. While Israel accused Palestinian leaders of hampering the talks by refusing to recognise the country as a Jewish state.

Officials from both sides say that the United States may present a proposal that will bring the two sides closer.