NEWS

Israeli officials reportedly reject Sec. Kerry's proposals for new talks, and say they will be making no gestures towards the Palestinians. (Ha'aretz/YNet)

PM Fayyad reportedly offers his resignation, but reports are contradictory on the matter. (Reuters/AP/Ha'aretz)

Israeli media report that Israeli security services recommended to PM Netanyahu he should release pre-Oslo Palestinian detainees. (Man'sn)

Reconfirmed Hamas leader Mishaal is seeking a wider role for himself and for the organization. (AP)

A new Palestinian poll suggests a major drop in support for both Hamas and rocket attacks against Israel. (YNet)

Israel keeps Gaza's only commercial crossing closed for a third straight day. (Xinhua)

The UN says Israel's policies are depleting Gaza's food stocks. (Ynet)

Human Rights Watch condemns Hamas for executing accused collaborators with Israel. (AP)

Egyptian forces detain four people allegedly trying to smuggle maps and arms into Gaza. (Ma'an)

Israeli and Palestinian businesspersons establish an arbitration system to manage disputes. (CSM)

Former Pres. Carter is honored at Yeshiva University despite some controversy. (New York Times)

Palestinians plan to build a national museum in Ramallah. (The Media Line/AP)

Canada's Foreign Minister breaks an international taboo by meeting Israeli officials in occupied East Jerusalem. (AFP)

Palestinian villagers complain to the UN that Canadian businesses are profiting from Israeli settlement projects. (Al Monitor)

Palestinian human rights groups call on Hamas to rescind their order enforcing gender segregation in all schools for children above the age of nine. (PNN)


COMMENTARY

Gershon Baskin says, in spite of what everyone claims, the parties know very well how to make peace if they want to. (Jerusalem Post)

Peter Joseph and David Halperin explain why they wrote a "peace letter" to Sec. Kerry. (Jerusalem Post)

Douglas Bloomfield says he doubts whether Turkey is interested in peace, and it's really up to the Israelis and Palestinians. (Jerusalem Post)

George Hishmeh says Arabs need to battle sectarianism from primary school onwards. (Gulf News)

Adnan Abu Amer claims reconfirmed Hamas politburo leader Mishaal wants to make the organization "more rational" but faces stiff resistance. (Al Monitor)

John Whitbeck says it might make sense for Palestine to join the ICC. (Arab News)

Shlomo Brom and Shimon Stein say Israel needs a two-state solution "in spite of herself." (Al Monitor)


American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017