ANALYSIS / Neither Hamas nor Israel can surrender now ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Amos Harel - March 30, 2009 - 12:00am It seems there won't be a last-minute miracle in negotiations to bring Gilad Shalit home. True, the talks have restarted, but that's not enough to clinch a deal, especially after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert laid out his red lines around two weeks ago. Olmert's refusal to release 125 prisoners whom Hamas wants freed and the publication of part of the list by Olmert's office has backed the negotiating partners into a corner. » Read more

Arab League tells Israel: Accept Saudi initiative now or never ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Yoav Stern - March 30, 2009 - 12:00am Arab leaders in Qatar for the Arab League summit sent Israel an ultimatum Sunday: Accept the Saudi Peace Initiative or it will be rescinded. The draft proposal of the statement states: "The peace initiative being proposed today will not be on offer for a long time. Arab commitment to this initiative is dependent on Israeli acceptance." The draft proposal was formulated by the Arab foreign ministers, and will be presented to the Arab League's leaders Monday for approval. » Read more

Israeli military in PR offensive to explain civilian deaths in Gaza ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Independent by Donald MacIntyre - March 30, 2009 - 12:00am The Israeli military has moved to deflect a mounting barrage of criticism over the deaths of hundreds of civilians during its 22-day offensive in Gaza. The public relations drive by the Israeli Defence Force has been given impetus by allegations made by some soldiers that permissive rules of engagement failed to protect civilians. » Read more

PA: Netanyahu peace plan will prolong occupation ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz March 28, 2009 - 12:00am Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for "economic peace" will only prolong Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories, the chief Palestinian negotiator wrote in an opinion piece published Saturday. "Rather than ending the occupation, Netanyahu has proposed an 'economic peace' that would seek to normalize and better manage it," wrote Saeb Erekat in the Washington Post. "Instead of a viable Palestinian state, his vision extends no further than a series of disconnected cantons with limited self-rule." » Read more

There will be no peace without unity ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National (Editorial) March 30, 2009 - 12:00am The focus of this year’s Arab League summit, which begins today, is expected to be a push for greater unity among member states. A host of diplomatic initiatives hinge upon the Arab nations’ ability to set aside political and ideological differences. On the issue of the Palestinian peace process, for example, the divide between nations is deep and long standing. A draft declaration released ahead of the conference renews calls for Israel to adopt the Arab Peace Initiative, while cautioning that it will not remain on the table for much longer. » Read more