NEWS:
A new US intelligence report predicts a Palestinian state will be
created approximately along the 1967 lines, but possibly without a
full peace agreement with Israel, by 2030. PM Netanyahu accuses the
international community of "double standards," and claims settlements
are no obstacle to a Palestinian state. Hamas calls for Palestinian
national unity. The EU, though saying it is "dismayed" by Israeli
settlement expansion plans, takes no action. PLO leaders call on the
EU to review relations with Israel. Hamas bans Israeli-provided
Internet services in Gaza. Approximately half of the Palestinian
citizens of Israel may not be planning to vote in the upcoming
election. Israeli occupation forces raid the offices of a Palestinian
NGO in Ramallah and reportedly assault the staff at a Bethlehem
school. Israeli occupation authorities say they will yet again
demolish the access road to the West Bank village of Qarawat Bani
Hassan. Israel's Foreign Ministry says it's launching a campaign to
equate Pres. Abbas with Hamas. FM Lieberman says Palestinian police
officers who clash with Israeli occupation troops "should not remain
alive." The BBC looks at "unusual careers" for youth in Gaza due to
the blockade. Sources say Khalid Mishal is preparing to retract his
resignation as Hamas' leader.
COMMENTARY:
Alan Baker points out that no Palestinian state has been created.
Reuven Pedatzur says the recent UN vote was the best in 65 years.
Charles Freilich criticizes the policies of both Netanyahu and Abbas.
Linda Heard says Mishal's Gaza speech only bolsters Israeli
propaganda. Ophir Pines-Paz thinks Abbas has reached the end of the
road politically. Frank Jacobs says Israel doesn't have to worry about
running out of oil. Frida Ghitis says Israeli leaders need to start
making more intelligent strategic decisions.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017