Date

NEWS:
 
Pres. Abbas is visiting China and seeking diplomatic support there. (New York Times/Ma'an)
 
PM Netanyahu is also visiting China, focusing on economic issues, but is joined by the head of Israel's military intelligence. (AP/Ha'aretz)
 
China's hosting of the two leaders indicates a desire for a larger Middle East role. (AP)
 
Syria blames Israel for an air raid against targets near Damascus. (New York Times)
 
The attack prompts anger and threats in Syria, which says "all options are open." (AP/Washington Post)
 
Syria accuses Israel of using depleted uranium shells during the attack, and of aiding Al Qaeda. (Jerusalem Post/Asharq Al-Awsat)
 
Israeli reaction focuses on growing tensions with Syria. (AP)
 
Israel cancels civil air flights in its northern regions due to growing tensions along the frontiers with Syria and Lebanon. (Xinhua)
 
Many see a message in the action to Iran. (New York Times)
 
The airstrike highlights conundrums faced by the Arab League. (AP)
 
Tensions grow in the West Bank as 1000 Israeli right-wingers and troops visit a holy site. (Ma'an)
 
Israel allows the children of prisoners from Gaza to visit them. (Xinhua)
 
Hamas says two of its senior officials were denied entry into Egypt. (Ma'an)
 
The EU contributes €20 million to the PA to help pay April public sector employee salaries. (PNN)
 
The PLO denies Al Qaeda is operating in the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp in south Lebanon. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 
 
COMMENTARY:
 
AP examines why Israel would attack Syria now. (AP)
 
The National says the Israeli airstrike complicates an already messy situation. (The National)
 
Barak Ravid says Netanyahu is making clear to Pres. Assad that Israel's only interest is in preventing weapons transfers to Hezbollah. (Ha'aretz)
 
Ben Caspit says, among other things, Israel is sending a message to Iran. (Al Monitor)
 
Kais Firro says the attack may actually play into Assad's hands. (Al Monitor)
 
Linda Gradstein asks Hezbollah is likely to retaliate against Israel. (The Media Line)
 
Chemi Shalev says the combination of Israeli action and American inaction in Syria has put growing pressure on Pres. Obama. (Ha'aretz)
 
Amir Oren recounts a conversation between Golda Meir and Henry Kissinger in 1974. (Ha'aretz)
 
Ian Black says a new, post-Oslo model for peace is required. (The Guardian)
 
Adnan Abu Amer interviews Hamas leader Mishaal, who says US peace efforts will fail. (Al Monitor)
 
Adel Safty asks why, if Netanyahu is really interested in peace, he continues to build settlements. (Gulf News)
 
The Daily Star says the Arab League should pay more attention to what the Palestinians want. (The Daily Star)
 
Musa Keilani says Netanyahu doesn't want to relinquish any occupied territories and wants Palestinians to accept that. (Jordan Times)
 
Rami Khouri says the revival of the old peace process will yield the same failed results. (The Daily Star)

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