Gazans fear unrest threatens vital supply line ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 31, 2011 - 1:00am The ongoing unrest in Egypt affected prices in the blockaded Gaza Strip, where most of the commodities have been flooding to the coastal enclave through smuggling tunnels. Locals say items like cigarettes and basic food went up by almost a third. Gas stations have closed because owners are worried they could fail to get enough fuel due to the deteriorating situation in Egypt, namely in the Sinai. » Read more

UN resolution condemning Israel puts Obama on the spot ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National by James Reinl - January 31, 2011 - 1:00am A draft Security Council resolution that condemns Israeli settlement building on Palestinian land is expected to push the US president, Barack Obama, into the uncomfortable position of using his first veto in the top UN chamber. The Palestinians have returned to the UN's 15-nation body to settle grievances with Israel after US-brokered talks between the two sides broke down last year, saying that Washington will lose credibility if it blocks their draft resolution. » Read more

Gaza-Egypt border sealed indefinitely ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 31, 2011 - 1:00am Egyptian authorities have closed the crossing with the Gaza Strip indefinitely as its army deploys in the northern Sinai, a Ma'an correspondent said Sunday. Egyptian security contacted officials in Gaza to check up on the situation along the Rafah border, and Hamas authorities confirmed that large numbers of security officers were deployed at the crossing. Authorities in Gaza also confirmed that strict instructions were given to smugglers telling them all tunnels would remain closed to ensure no Palestinians in Gaza were able to enter Egypt. » Read more

Israel shows its anxiety at protests in Egypt ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The National by Vita Bekker - January 31, 2011 - 1:00am The anti-government protests in Egypt are prompting concerns in neighbouring Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, last week ordered his cabinet to refrain from commenting publicly on the unfolding events in Egypt. But his statements to his government's ministers yesterday, the first spoken openly by an Israeli official about the situation in Egypt since the protests began on January 25, indicated his anxiety. » Read more

Israel Shaken as Turbulence Rocks an Ally ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Ethan Bronner - January 30, 2011 - 1:00am The street revolt in Egypt has thrown the Israeli government and military into turmoil, with top officials closeted in round-the-clock strategy sessions aimed at rethinking their most significant regional relationship. » Read more