July 3rd

Middle East Press Views Jerusalem Bulldozer Attack
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Bbc News
July 3, 2008 - 4:08pm

Wednesday's attack by a Palestinian who went on a bulldozing rampage in west Jerusalem, killing three people and wounding dozens, has provoked comment in the Israeli, Palestinian and regional press. The attack raised questions in right-wing Israeli media on the partition of Jerusalem and whether retaliatory measures should be taken, while other titles called for a continuation of the peace process. Further afield, regional press in the Middle East suggested the attack was a result of frustrations felt by many Palestinians over issues surrounding the West Bank and Gaza.

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July 2nd

Wednesday’s bulldozer attack in Jerusalem raises questions for Israel, Palestine, and regional neighbors (1) (6). The New Statesman features an excerpt from Raja Shehadah’s recent book (3). 24 Palestinians are detained in Nablus by the Israeli army (8). EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana urges Israel to cease settlement activity in the interest of achieving progress in negotiations (9), while a petition regarding Palestinian land claims in the West Bank goes before Israel’s high court (10).

Poll: 71% Of Americans Want Us To Stay Neutral On Mideast Conflict
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Yitzhak Benhorin - July 2, 2008 - 4:19pm

A recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland in 18 countries revealed that 71% of Americans would prefer that the US stay neutral when it comes to the Mideast conflict. In 13 others countries covered in the poll, respondents also said they wanted their government to remain neutral on the issue. In no country did the majority back the Israeli stand, while those residing in Egypt, Iran and Turkey said they wanted their governments to support the Palestinian side.

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Policeman Convicted Of Killing Arab Escapes
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Erfat Weiss - July 2, 2008 - 4:17pm

Where in the world is Yanai Lalza? The police are attempting to locate Yanai Lalza, a Border Guard police officer who killed a Palestinian boy in Hebron. Lalza for supposed to begin serving his prison term last week but failed to report at the jail. Despite the police's request, Lalza was not held in detention and was supposed to report to prison at the set date. Lalza was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being convicted of killing a 17-year-old Palestinian in December 2002. Lalza was convicted of manslaughter by the Jerusalem district court.

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Direct Syria-israel Talks Imminent, Turkish Officials Say
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Roee Nahmias - July 2, 2008 - 4:14pm

Sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry estimate that direct peace negotiations between Israel and Syria will follow the next round of indirect talks between the countries, London-based Arabic-language newspaper Al-Hayat reported on Wednesday. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's advisors, Yoram Turbowitz and Shalom Turgeman arrived in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss, among other things, the possibility of launching direct talks with Syrians. The fourth indirect round of talks is scheduled to begin in two weeks' time.

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Olmert, Barak: Demolish Terrorists' Homes
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
by Roni Sofer - July 2, 2008 - 4:11pm

After the shooting rampage at Mercaz Harav seminary in March left eight students dead, Defense Minister Ehud Barak called for the demolition of the terrorist's home in east Jerusalem. It was never carried out. Following Wednesday's deadly terror attack in Jerusalem which left three Israelis dead and dozens more wounded, Barak reiterated his position.

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Israeli Settlers Fire Two Rockets On Palestinian Village In West Bank
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Kuwait News Agency (kuna)
July 2, 2008 - 4:10pm

Israeli settlers fired two rockets toward Boreen village near Nablus city north of the West Bank, Palestinian security sources said on Tuesday. The source said two settlers from Baraka settlement near the village fired the two rockets targeting Palestinians, but caused no injuries. The rockets dubbed (Sharon-1, Sharon-2) fell in a deserted area causing fire only, the sources said.

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Gaza To Get Cement For First Time In A Year
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP)
by Adel Zaanoun - July 2, 2008 - 4:09pm

The Gaza Strip was to receive its first cement shipment in a year on Wednesday as Israel prepared to reopen border crossings it shut down after militant rocket attacks breached a truce. The Hamas rulers of the impoverished Palestinian enclave and the Israeli authorities said the cement would be shipped to Gaza on Wednesday as Israel eased its blockade. Authorities initially spoke of five tonnes of cement, but later said five truckloads would be sent to Gaza. "They will be delivered in the course of the day," Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner told AFP.

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Mideast Leaders Meet In Japan For Talks
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP)
July 2, 2008 - 4:07pm

Senior officials from Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority held talks Wednesday in Japan in a bid to lay the groundwork for peace by improving the Palestinian economy. Japan, which is seeking a greater role in the Middle East, hopes the talks will lead to a deal on its signature project in the region -- starting an agro-industrial park in the West Bank.

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Israel Bars Un Rights Panel From Palestinian Areas
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP)
July 2, 2008 - 4:05pm

Israel's government has barred a UN human rights delegation from visiting the Palestinian areas on a fact-finding mission, the leader of the group said on Tuesday. "Israeli authorities did not allow us to visit the Palestinian territories," said Prasad Kariyawasam, head of the UN panel, adding that "no reasons were given by Israel because they do not recognize our mandate." 

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