ATFP sister organization the American Charities for Palestine is featured in an article in the New York Times (1). Palestinian Security Forces continue to make progress in Hebron (2). Fatah leader Ahmed Hilles returns to the Gaza Strip after fleeing factional violence there three months ago (3). The Washington Institute for Near East Policy assesses the recent escalation in settler violence (4). The U.N. and other aid agencies ask the international community for $462 million in emergency aid for the Occupied Territories (5), as Israel allows limited supplies into Gaza (6). A Yeshiva leader is arrested for inciting Israeli youth to violence (7).

ATFP Board Member Daoud Kuttab explains the ongoing centrality of the occupation to Palestinian lives and thinking (1). Disputes emerge among Hamas leaders (2), while the PA contemplates elections in the West Bank only if Hamas blocks them in Gaza (7). Reports suggest economic growth in the West Bank (5) and growing distress in Gaza (6). A UN official compares the Israeli occupation to apartheid in South Africa (4), while Israeli soldiers are again caught on tape abusing Palestinian civilians (3).

Brent Scowcroft and Zbigniew Brzezinski argue in the Washington Post that President Obama's team should move quickly on Israeli-Palestinian peace (1). Israel allows limited amounts of fuel and food aid into Gaza (2). Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he may call for elections in 2009 (3). Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud OImert is in Washington for a farewell meeting with outgoing President Bush (4). An internal report by the Israeli government reportedly recommends peace talks with Syria (5).

The Daily Star features an op-ed by ATFP President, Dr. Ziad Asali (1). Israel heightens security in the West Bank town of Hebron in anticipation of 25,000 Jewish pilgrims, amidst the recent increase in settler violence (2). Hamas’ leader insists that Gaza wants the truce to hold with Israel, so long as it is reciprocated (4). The chief of UNRWA warns that Gaza is on the brink of a humanitarian “catastrophe” if Israel continues its blockade (5). The Christian Science Monitor examines the addition of women to the Palestinian Security Forces (6). An op-ed in the Daily Star lauds Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to advertise the Arab peace plan in Israeli papers (7).

The BBC examines how the Israeli blockade is affecting Gazans (1). Meanwhile, a protest against it in Amman, Jordan draws thousands (8) and King Abdullah also joins Palestinian President Abbas in condemning the blockade (9). Israeli police remove a tent set up in protest by a Palestinian family recently evicted from their home (2). A group of extremist Jewish settlers desecrate a Palestinian mosque (3). The PLO places advertisements in Israeli papers promoting the Arab peace plan (4). A pair of polls show Netanyahu’s Likud party with a slight edge over Livni’s Kadima party in the run-up to February elections (6). Leaders of the world’s largest media organizations file a formal protest with Prime Minister Olmert over the banning of foreign journalists from Gaza (7).

The Foreign Press Association challenges Israel’s prohibition on foreign journalists entering Gaza (1). Israel reseals Gaza border crossings, although United Nations food distribution is allowed to resume (2) (4). A collection of articles discuss the mounting tension between settlers and the State of Israel (3) (7) (10) The military wing of Hamas claims that they are ready to end the cease-fire, but political sources deny the claim (9).

Israel recloses Gaza border crossings despite concern over food and fuel shortages (1) (2). Sports activities in integrated public schools unite Israeli and Palestinian children through sports (3). The Financial Times speculates on President-elect Obama's Middle East policy (4). Israel is set to free 250 Palestinian prisoners in a goodwill gesture to President Mahmoud Abbas (5). Israel launches an incursion into southern Gaza (6). Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad urges the international community to increase pressure on Israel to stop settlement activity (10).

As speculation flies about U.S. President-elect Obama’s cabinet, an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times by Aaron David Miller outlines the qualities necessary for an effective Secretary of State (1). An Israeli airstrike kills four Palestinians in Gaza (2). A number of Israeli soldiers face trial by court martial for the abuse of a blindfolded Palestinian man (3). Israel opens a Gaza border crossing to allow in a limited amount of humanitarian aid (4). Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suggests the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners next month (6).

The New York Times reports on Israeli settlers eager to quit the West Bank (1). The Israeli blockade forces Gaza City's power plant to shut down (2). The Saudi government gives a cool reception to Israeli President Shimon Peres' support of the Arab peace plan (3). Violence on the Gaza-Israel border continues to threaten the ceasefire (4) (5) (6). Jordan King Abdullah restates his support for a two-state solution (7). Britain announces plans to label Israeli products manufactured in West Bank settlements (8). Defense Minister Ehud Barak continued to approve settlement construction despite the Israeli commitment to the Road Map (9).

Yesterday's violence on the Gaza border again threatens the truce that has been in place since June (1) (6). The United Nations is forced to suspend food aid to 1.5 million people after Israel refuses to allow emergency supplies into Gaza (2). Israeli President Shimon Peres lauds Saudi King Abdullah's work on the Arab peace initiative (3) (9). Mayor-elect of Jerusalem, Nir Barakat, vows to keep the city "undivided" (5). Ehud Barak, Israeli defense minister and head of the Labor party, announces that Labor will not join a coalition government that is not committed to advancing peace talks with the Palestinians (7).