Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama kicks off an international tour including five Middle Eastern states (1). An op-ed in the German daily Der Speigel urges a strong American presence in the Middle East peace process (3). A recent poll by J Street, a Washington based Jewish lobby, finds that the views of American Jews on the Middle East may be more dovish than is commonly believed (5) (11). The Israel-Hamas ceasefire continues to hold, but few tangible gains have been made for Gazans (7). The Fatah government intervenes in the IDF crackdown on allegedly Hamas-affiliated organizations in the West Bank (8) (10).

The Economist discusses the recent inaugural meeting of the Mediterranean Union (1). The much anticipated prisoner swap between Israel and Hezbollah is carried out, to mixed reactions (2) (9). The IDF continues their crackdown on Hamas-affiliated organizations in the West Bank (3) (5). Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair cancels his planned visit to Gaza (8) and expresses his doubts about the prospects for a peace agreement this year (7).

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair cancels a planned visit to Gaza on account of threats reportedly made against him (1). The prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel runs into continued obstacles (2). The IDF makes several Hamas-related arrests in the West Bank town of Nablus (3) (6). A Palestinian military court sentences two Palestinians to death for alleged collaboration with Israel, though the sentence is unlikely to be carried out (4). The European Union denounces Israeli settlement activity (5). Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama is set to visit Ramallah next week (8).

Coverage of Democratic Presidential nominee Barak Obama’s upcoming visit to Israel and the West Bank (1, 3). Fateh and Hamas officials express views on forming a Palestinian unity government (7, 10). Prime Minister Olmert continues diplomatic efforts (5, 6), while the corruption investigation is now involving his family members (8). More coverage of the prisoner swap negotiations (4, 11). Omar Karmi in the National reports on Middle East tensions in cyberspace (9), while Mohammad Omer reports on daily life in Gaza (2).

American efforts to secure travel for three Fulbright scholars out of Gaza continue (1). Palestinian Security Forces in the West Bank city of Jenin are undermined by Israeli interventions (2). The United Nations issues a report criticizing the West Bank separation barrier (5). Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad urges Palestinians to resist Israeli attempts to shut down a major business complex in the West Bank city of Nablus (6). Ceasefire violations continue on the Gaza border (8) (10).

In an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun Professor Shibley Telhami analyzes data from public opinion surveys regarding Palestine conducted in six Middle Eastern countries (1). Tension mounts in East and West Jerusalem as a result of recent attacks (2). Violations of the Gaza ceasefire continue from both sides (3). Residents in the West Bank town of Ni?lin protest an ongoing IDF imposed curfew (6). Israel announces plans to shut down Hamas-affiliated organizations in the West Bank (7).

In an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun Professor Shibley Telhami analyzes data from public opinion surveys regarding Palestine conducted in six Middle Eastern countries (1). Tension mounts in East and West Jerusalem as a result of recent attacks (2). Violations of the Gaza ceasefire continue from both sides (3). Residents in the West Bank town of Ni?lin protest an ongoing IDF imposed curfew (6). Israel announces plans to shut down Hamas-affiliated organizations in the West Bank (7).

In an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun Professor Shibley Telhami analyzes data from public opinion surveys regarding Palestine conducted in six Middle Eastern countries (1). Tension mounts in East and West Jerusalem as a result of recent attacks (2). Violations of the Gaza ceasefire continue from both sides (3). Residents in the West Bank town of Ni?lin protest an ongoing IDF imposed curfew (6). Israel announces plans to shut down Hamas-affiliated organizations in the West Bank (7).

Wednesday’s bulldozer attack in Jerusalem raises questions for Israel, Palestine, and regional neighbors (1) (6). The New Statesman features an excerpt from Raja Shehadah’s recent book (3). 24 Palestinians are detained in Nablus by the Israeli army (8). EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana urges Israel to cease settlement activity in the interest of achieving progress in negotiations (9), while a petition regarding Palestinian land claims in the West Bank goes before Israel’s high court (10).

A bulldozer attack in Jerusalem leaves three dead and 45 injured (1). Conflict ensues at the Rafah border crossing as some Palestinians attempt to force their way into Egypt (2). The Israeli government bars a UN human rights group from visiting the Palestinian territories on a recent fact-finding mission (3). Leaders from Israel, Jordan, and Palestine meet in Japan to discuss improvements to the Palestinian economy (4). Gaza prepares to receive its first cement shipment in over a year when Israel reopens its border crossings (5).