Palestinians Begin Rebuilding Symbols Of Authority ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters by Wael Al-ahmed, Adam Entous - November 15, 2007 - 6:17pm Work crews are laying foundations for a Palestinian state, clearing away the twisted ruins of government compounds destroyed by Israel to start a major rebuilding campaign. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's plan calls for rebuilding eight muqatas -- Arabic for headquarters -- and other administrative buildings flattened by Israel across the occupied West Bank after the start of a Palestinian uprising in 2000. » Read more

Fear Of Hamas Looms Over Statehood Bid ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jewish Week by Stewart Ain - November 15, 2007 - 6:15pm The bloody end to a massive rally in Gaza Monday marking the third anniversary of Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat’s death is seen as underscoring the disunity of the Palestinian people whose aspirations for their own state are proving more and more elusive. » Read more

Israelis Press Plan To Block The Division Of Jerusalem ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times by Isabel Kershner - November 15, 2007 - 6:13pm The Israeli Parliament gave preliminary approval on Wednesday to a bill intended to hinder any division of Jerusalem in a future deal with the Palestinians. The vote came as Israel’s rightist and religious parties started positioning themselves before an American-sponsored peace gathering expected to take place in Annapolis, Md., this month. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said he plans to negotiate with the Palestinians after Annapolis on the core issues relating to a two-state solution, including security issues, borders, refugees and the status of Jerusalem. » Read more

Hamas To Curb Press, Gatherings In Gaza ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Sarah El Deeb - November 15, 2007 - 6:12pm Gaza's Hamas rulers issued an edict Wednesday banning journalists from working in the coastal strip unless they submit to sweeping press restrictions, and it said it would soon impose new restraints on public gatherings. The moves, which follow the arrests of hundreds of opposition activists, appeared to be part of an intensifying clampdown after the Islamic militant group was confronted with a mass demonstration called by the rival Fatah movement that led to violence. » Read more