The Israeli offensive in Gaza continues, and seems set to expand (1, 2, 3, 4). The Los Angeles Times suggests the US government is concerned about the effects of the attack, while Egypt and other Arab states bear the brunt of anger and criticism (5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 15). The Washington Post and Ha’aretz examine Israel’s leadership, while Hamas accuses the PA of conspiring with Israel (10, 14, 9). Mkhaimar Abusada in the Daily Star and Tony Karon in Time magazine examine the terms in which both Israel and Hamas would seek a cease-fire (11, 12).

Israel’s air attacks against Gaza continue for a fourth day (4, 6, 7, 8, 9). Press speculation grows about the extent of the operation in the coming days and weeks (1, 2, 3). In the Los Angeles Times, Gershom Gorenberg argues that both Israel and Hamas could and should have avoided confrontation, while Daoud Kuttab warns in The Washington Post that Israel may have breathed new life into Hamas through the attacks and the Orlando Sentinel thinks the organization has at least gained in stature (12, 13, 10). Spencer Ackerman in the Washington Independent examines the challenge the violence in Gaza poses to Jewish American peace groups (14).

The continued Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip dominates news coverage (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). The New York Times examines the role of President elect Obama, while Time magazine considers the legacy of President Bush (7, 10).

The stories in today’s special Sunday news roundup all cover fallout from the massive Israeli airstrikes that killed and injured hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza yesterday. News articles are followed by opinion and analysis.

Tensions continue to mount following the expiration of the Gaza cease-fire and amid growing speculation about a possible Israeli military offensive (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). President Abbas denounces Hamas' "abuse of religion for political ends," while in a visit to Russia and Chechnya (3, 4).

Ha'aretz profiles Israel's security chief, Amos Gilad (1). Tensions rise as the cease-fire in Gaza expires (3, 4, 7). AP evaluates the implications of the removal of settlers from a house in Hebron (6). The New York Times profiles former Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg's disillusionment with Israeli nationalism, while MJ Rosenberg observes that too much rhetorical support without enough concrete action may be "killing" the prospects for peace based on two states (2, 8).

The six-month old truce between Hamas and Israel expires today (1) (2). An op-ed in The Economist urges Israel to lift the siege of Gaza (3). President-elect Obama’s transition team meets with a delegation of Jewish groups, including peace-oriented organizations (4). Forgeries and fraudulent transactions complicate competing land claims in the West Bank (6). The European Union encourages President-elect Obama to make Middle East peace a priority (7).

The six-month truce between Hamas and Israel is set to expire tomorrow, meanwhile rocket fire continues and speculation about the future abounds (1) (2) (3). UNRWA has suspended food aid to Gaza due to a flour shortage (5). An op-ed by ATFP Board Member George Hishmeh discusses the possible differences between a Livni or Netanyahu-led government in Israel (6). Speculation continues about the future of the peace process under President-elect Obama, with numerous observers, including ATFP Board Member Daoud Kuttab urging the US to press for early negotiations (4) (8) (10). A recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research shows most Palestinians continue to prefer PA President Mahmoud Abbas over Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (9).

The United Nations Security Council adopts its first resolution on the Palestine-Israel conflict in almost five years (1). Tariq Alhomayed in Asharq Alawsat decries the use of Islamic charities for terrorism financing (2). An Op-Ed by Richard Haass and Martin Indyck in The Financial Times urges President-elect Obama to broaden his administration’s Middle East focus (3). Rockets are fired from Gaza after Israeli forces kill a member of Islamic Jihad in the West Bank (4). President Bush plans to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House on Friday (5). UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown urges Ehud Olmert’s government to ease pressure on the Palestinian economy (6). The Quartet joins with the Arab League in urging a revival of peace talks (9).

ATFP President Dr. Ziad Asali is interviewed by NPR regarding the American Charities for Palestine (1). The Israeli government expels a UN human rights investigator, for his allegedly hostile position towards Israel (2). The Christian Science Monitor examines the recent public relations push by the Palestinian Authority (3). An article in The Times of London praises the work of the Palestinian Security Forces in the West Bank (5). Israel’s Supreme Court votes to restrict the path of the West Bank separation barrier (7). Palestinians celebrate Israel’s release of 224 prisoners (9).