November 6th

World Bank: Palestinian economy could flourish if Israel eased restrictions
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press
November 5, 2008 - 8:00pm

The Palestinian economy has "incredible potential" that could be unleashed if Israel eases restrictions on Palestinian movement, the area's World Bank chief said Wednesday, a day after a high-level World Bank delegation inaugurated a sewage storage facility in a rare trip to Hamas-ruled Gaza.

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Hamas arrests dozens of Fatah activists: Fatah
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
November 5, 2008 - 8:00pm

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group said Hamas forces arrested dozens of its activists in the GazaStrip on Thursday in an attempt to sabotage Egyptian efforts to reconcile the rival factions. Nine of the detainees, including a senior Fatah lawmaker, were later released but about 40 others remained in custody, Fatah sources said. Egypt hopes to end the factional fighting by hosting unity talks from November 9.

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White House says Israeli-Palestinian deal unlikely
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
by Arshad Mohammed - November 5, 2008 - 8:00pm

The White House acknowledged for the first time on Thursday that Israel and the Palestinians were unlikely to reach a peace deal before President George W. Bush leaves office in January. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, beginning a four-day visit to the Middle East, said Israel's decision to call a parliamentary election, scheduled for February 10, had created a "different situation" that made it "very difficult" to come to an agreement.

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Mideast peace: one more push
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor
by Howard Lafranchi - November 5, 2008 - 8:00pm

Less than a year after President Bush launched an effort to reach a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by the end of his term, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sets out Wednesday on what could be a final push to put Mr. Bush's stamp on the sputtering peace process.

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Concern over Israel settlement exports
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from BBC News
November 5, 2008 - 8:00pm

British customs officials are "strongly concerned" that Israeli-produced goods made in settlements on the occupied West Bank may be circumventing import taxes en-route to British high streets, the BBC's Tim Franks learns. The British Government believes that Israeli settlements on occupied territory are illegal. So does every other government in the world, except for Israel. For that reason goods produced on settlements in the West Bank are not supposed to benefit from a free trade agreement between the EU and Israel. They are supposed to be subject to import duty.

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Clashes as Israel flattens homes
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from BBC News
November 5, 2008 - 8:00pm

Israel demolished four unauthorised Palestinian-owned buildings in occupied East Jerusalem in one day, triggering clashes in one Arab neighbourhood. Palestinian youths threw stones at police and a demolition unit in Silwan, where two homes were razed. A house in Shuafat and a wedding hall in Beit Hanina also were demolished. Human rights groups have criticised homes demolitions, saying it is often impossible for Palestinians to obtain permits in Israeli-occupied areas. The Israeli authorities said they were applying the law by removing structures built illegally without permits.

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November 5th

The Middle East reacts to the United States’ election of Barack Obama (1) (6) (9). Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice embarks on another trip to the Middle East to secure a working peace process (2). Israeli special forces battle with Hamas militants in Gaza, leaving six dead (3) (4) (5). Palestinian protestors face Israeli police as they attempt to block the demolition of an East Jerusalem home (7).

Israel's dilemma: Obama vs. Qassams
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Aluf Benn - November 4, 2008 - 8:00pm

No declaration of support and no promising statements can diminish the fear many Israelis' have of U.S president - elect Barak Obama. An elderly woman of Iraqi descent tells her daughter: "I saw them dancing. They're like the Arabs." The daughter replies: "I know - he'll support the Palestinians." "This is the end of us. He will take away our military foreign aid grants," another man states. These recent responses to Barak Obama's election are typical of many Israelis.

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Livni slams 'flagrant violation' of truce as Qassams hit western Negev
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
by Avi Issacharoff - November 4, 2008 - 8:00pm

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said on Wednesday that Israel could not put up with "flagrant violations" of the cease-fire agreement with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, after dozens of Qassam rockets hit Israel on Wednesday. The rocket barrage came a day after an Israel Air Force strike in the southern Strip killed at least five militants and wounded several others. Hamas claimed responsibility for the rockets, but vowed interest in maintaining the five-month old truce.

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Police trying to disperse East Jerusalem rioters in house demolition row
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
November 4, 2008 - 8:00pm

Police said Wednesday they were trying to disperse a violent protest in East Jerusalem, where Palestinian protesters sought to block demolition of a house. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says authorities went to the area early Wednesday to take down a home that was built illegally. The crowd gathered and began pelting police with stones. He says police are trying to break up the crowd with stun grenades.

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