What happens when tony tries to break up the fight in west side story?

Tony tries to break up the fight between the Jets and the Sharks by coming between them and appealing to their sense of humanity. He asks if they are not all fellow Americans, and if they cannot set aside their differences for the sake of their country and their own lives. He reminds them that they are not so different from each other, and that they should strive to understand one another rather than fight. Tony's words have an effect on some of the Jets and Sharks, but others remain hostile and continue the fight.