Israel Looking At Hamas Truce Idea ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press by Laurie Copans - December 21, 2007 - 3:23pm Israel is examining a Hamas truce proposal delivered by Egypt, defense officials said, but violence persisted Friday as a Hamas militant was killed in what the group said was a clash with Israeli troops near the Israel-Gaza border. Israeli calls for cease-fire talks with the militant group that rules the Gaza Strip grew Friday as an Israeli Cabinet minister said he supported such negotiations under certain conditions. » Read more

A Ceasefire From Hamas? ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Boston Globe (Editorial) December 21, 2007 - 3:22pm THE ISRAELI government reacted warily at first - and understandably so - to the proposal of a ceasefire in Gaza from Ismael Haniyeh, leader of the group Hamas. But after initially rebuffing the offer, Israeli officials are seriously considering it, according to an Israeli television report yesterday. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government would be wise to explore a ceasefire with Hamas, for it could not only save lives but also prepare the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. » Read more

The Writing On Bethlehem's Wall: British Artist Seeks To Lure Tourists ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor by Joshua Mitnick - December 21, 2007 - 3:21pm Bethlehem, West Bank A dove dressed in a bulletproof vest raises its wings in surrender. A girl in pigtails and pink frilly dress frisks an Israeli soldier. The nose on a Pinocchio with a star-spangled tie has grown into a missile. » Read more

Underwriting The Conflict In Hebron ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The American Prospect by Matthew Duss - December 21, 2007 - 3:20pm On Nov. 18, in the beautifully appointed ballroom of Manhattan's posh Grand Hyatt Hotel at Grand Central Station, the Hebron Fund held its annual fund-raising gala. According to organizers, guests paid upward of $300 a head, with anything above the cost of the dinner considered tax-deductible. The evening began with a reception in an anteroom featuring a buffet of gourmet foods. A chef in a tall hat worked a stir-fry station; another expertly sliced sashimi and rolled sushi. A dessert table overflowed with cakes and chocolate mousse. » Read more