The Obama administration asks Congress to approve the potential continuation of aid to Palestine, even if officials backed by Hamas become part of a national accord government (1). Meanwhile, previously deadlocked unity talks between Hamas and Fatah resume in Cairo (7). Peace Now has reportedly obtained Israeli plans to expand the settlement of Maale Adumim near Jerusalem (2). BBC News examines the ongoing demolitions of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem (5). Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he won’t be pressured into resuming peace talks with Israel as long as settlement construction continues (6). The proposed route for the controversial separation barrier is amended around the Palestinian town of Bil’in (11). In conversations with Haaretz, Israeli defense and security sources commend the work of Palestinian security forces in the West Bank (12).