The Israeli offensive in Gaza continues, in spite of efforts to find a ceasefire (1, 2). Palestinian civilian suffering is examined in numerous harrowing accounts, and the BBC asks, who is a civilian in this conflict (3, 4, 5, 6). Ha’aretz looks at how much time Israel has to continue its offensive, and American papers examine the role of the change in American administrations in the timing and conduct of the attack (7, 8, 9). Obama advisor Dennis Ross gives his views on a ceasefire (10). Al Jazeera critiques US media coverage of the conflict, while the Observer examines Israel’s media strategy (11, 12). Ephraim Sneh makes the case for the Israeli action and terms of a workable ceasefire, while Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed and the National question the political effects of the attack (13, 14, 15). An article posted on the official English-language website of the Muslim Brotherhood movement asserts that Hamas would welcome being freed from "the burden of government" (16).

Israel’s attack on Gaza now includes a major ground offensive (1, 2). Several analyses probe both Israel’s and Hamas’ war intentions and prospects of success (3, 4, 5). Arab and Palestinian reaction to the conflict remains sharply divided (6, 7). Ha’aretz suggests that an Arab regional effort is needed to craft a workable cease-fire, Sultan Al Qassemi in The National argues that whatever happens, Hamas should step down from power (8, 12). Reema Ali and Aaron David Miller explore the requirements for progress on a peace agreement, (9, 10). An original ATFP translation of a Hassan Khadr article from the Palestinian daily Al-Ayyam argues that the Arabs are not learning the lessons of the past (13). The Dallas Morning News investigates the long-term effect of the Holy Land Foundation case on Muslim charitable giving, especially for Palestinian humanitarian causes (14).

Israel’s attacks on Gaza continue, with another Hamas leader killed and mounting concern about civilian suffering (1, 2, 3, 4). Efforts in the Arab world to blame Egypt for the conflict continue to gain ground (5, 6, 7). Raghida Dergham argues that Israel and Hamas need to be saved from their own errors and Roula Khalaf calls for a new Palestinian peace strategy, while Yossi Alpher says Israel has no strategic options (8, 10, 11). Patrick Seale says the war is “political insanity” for Israel, and Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed asks how Hamas can claim to be surprised at Israel’s behavior (9, 12).

Israel’s air attacks against Gaza continue for a seventh day, and a ground attack seems imminent (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). The Chicago Tribune examines the role of Israeli domestic politics in the attack, while The New York Times asks what this means for Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton (10, 12). Deep divisions in Arab reaction to the violence continue, while international leaders call for an end to the carnage (11, 13, 14).

Israel’s attacks on Gaza continue as civilians suffer the consequences (1,2). The Bush Administration struggles to find a sustainable response, while Arab and Palestinian rifts intensify (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10). Mustafa Barghouthi refutes Israeli arguments, while the Arab News interviews ATFP President Ziad Asali and Geoffrey Aronson of the Foundation for Middle East Peace (9, 11). Kevin Clarke and Eboo Patel urge American religious communities to re-examine their approaches to the conflict (12, 13).