NEWS:
Palestinians in Syria are being drawn into the growing civil war in that country. The PA has arrested about 200 people since May for illegal weapons possession. Former PM Shamir passes away. Palestinians say a planned meeting with Deputy PM Mofaz has been postponed.
Palestinians see the UNESCO designation of the Church of the Nativity as a World Heritage Site in Palestine as an important diplomatic victory. Hamas suspends voter registration in Gaza. Israel's Supreme Court grants the government a four month extension to evacuate a tiny “unauthorized” settlement outpost. PA police reportedly attack demonstrators protesting possible negotiations with Israel and the PA says it's launching an investigation into the incident. Israeli and Egyptian officials reportedly meet in secret. A senior Fatah official is shot by unknown assailants in Jenin. Israel reportedly sought a $100 million IMF loan for the PA. The PA says it may be unable to pay July salaries. The Israeli military says it's going to build a defense university in one of the most sensitive areas of occupied East Jerusalem. The PLO envoy to Germany calls the Holocaust “the greatest
crime in human history.” The BBC looks at Palestinian athletes and the upcoming Olympic Games.
COMMENTARY:
ATFP Pres. Ziad Asali poses 11 questions to one-state advocates. Amira Hass asks if the PA is afraid of a third intifada. Assaf David says remembering past wars can help bring Arabs and Israelis together. Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff say both the PA and Israel are alarmed at an emerging rapprochement between Hamas and Jordan. Israel Ziv says Middle East peace will come from strong economic relations. Rock star Roger Waters urges Presbyterians to become activists against Israel's occupation. Emily Hauser says Palestinian children killed in the conflict cannot be forgotten.
American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017