January 4th

Netanyahu delays E1 construction plans ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Akiva Novick - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am After declaring his support for the controversial E1 area construction plans in December, it appears that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hesitating to realize the plans. » Read more

Official documents to begin using 'State of Palestine' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 3, 2013 - 1:00am President Mahmoud Abbas signed agreement on Thursday to start using "State of Palestine" on all official documents, according to PA news agency Wafa.  » Read more

Abbas: Palestine faces hardship without Arab 'safety net' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 4, 2013 - 1:00am President Mahmoud Abbas warned on Thursday that without the pledged Arab "safety net" for the Palestinian coffers, Palestine will be in a difficult situation. » Read more

PA financial crisis could be obstacle to joining int'l bodies ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency January 4, 2013 - 1:00am The Palestinian Authority's financial crisis may prevent it from joining several international and United Nations institutions following Palestine's recognition as a non-member state in November, a legal official said Friday. » Read more

2 Israeli documentaries shortlisted for Oscar ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press by Daniel Estrin - January 3, 2013 - 1:00am   The Mideast conflict has done little to help Israel's image in the world, but the way local filmmakers deal critically with the Israel-Palestinian issue has won wide international praise — and this year, recognition from the top of the movie industry. » Read more

Israel ex-spy chief blasts PM ahead of election ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press by Daniel Estrin - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   » Read more

Chefs offer their take on Jerusalem ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Associated Press by Danica Kirka - January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   Two London-based chefs with roots in Jerusalem one day. The next, poster boys for peace. » Read more

Palestinians Move Toward Reconciliation ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Media Line by Diana Atallah - January 3, 2013 - 1:00am   When the Fatah faction holds what is expected to be a huge demonstration marking its 48th anniversary in Gaza, it will mark another step towards reconciliation with its rival Hamas faction in a dispute that continues despite occasional let-ups.   » Read more

Abbas' Fatah movement marks anniversary in Gaza first time in six years ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua January 4, 2013 - 1:00am   Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement on Friday marked its 48-year anniversary in the Gaza Strip, for the first time in six years. » Read more

January 3rd

New Year Commitment and Appeal from ATFP Press Release - Contact Information: Ziad Asali - January 1, 2013 - 1:00am   Dear friend:   On behalf of the American Task Force on Palestine, I wish you a happy and prosperous new year.   2013 marks the second decade of our advocacy for the vital cause of peace. ATFP has been unwavering in our commitment to helping achieve a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather than operating from an ethnic perspective, our policies are informed by the American national interest, with the understanding that peace is also in the vital interests of Palestinians, Israelis, and the whole world.   Read more