NEWS:

A new poll shows 62% of Israelis and 53% of Palestinians support a two-state solution. (PNN/Times of Israel)

Sec. Kerry is reportedly eager to return to the region to resume Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. (AP)

A Hamas committee acquits one of its members in the death of an Islamic Jihad cadre. (Ma'an)

Pres. Abbas is visiting Lebanon for three days to discuss Palestinian refugees and other matters. (Ma'an)

Al-Quds University signs an agreement with the EU and UNDP to preserve Palestinian cultural heritage in Jerusalem's Old City. (Ma'an/PNN)

Exuberant fans greet Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf at a free concert in Ramallah. (Christian Science Monitor)

Gaza residents face growing crime, drug addiction and other social ills. (Xinhua)

A right-wing Israeli MK vows that one day he will return to his former home in an evacuated Gaza settlement. (Jerusalem Post)

The Palestine Monetary Authority issues disappointing overall economic performance results for June, particularly in Gaza. (PNN)

90% of Palestinian sewerage in the occupied West Bank is flowing into the ground untreated, in part because of the lack of cooperation between the parties. (Ha'aretz)

Gaza's polluted beaches provide a respite from summer heat, but also an indicator of broader problems. (Al Monitor)

Racism remains a huge problem in Israeli soccer. (Ha'aretz)

A candidate for Israel's new Sephardi Chief Rabbi will be questioned about alleged anti-Arab racist comments. (Times of Israel)

Israel arrests three Palestinians accused of involvement in a drive-by shooting. (Jerusalem Post)

Israelis and Palestinians express nervousness about unrest in Egypt. (Times of Israel/The Media Line)

Israel is witnessing a sharp decline in migrants from Africa. (Xinhua)

COMMENTARY:

ATFP intern Miriam Awadallah says Kanye West will have to step aside, Assaf is now her new idol. (Sharnoff’s Global Views)

Shaul Arieli says Israel cannot live by the sword alone and must recognize the Palestinian right to statehood. (Ha'aretz)

Ari Harrow makes a right-wing Israeli case against peace with the Palestinians, calling it "realism." (Jerusalem Post)

Shlomi Eldar says Kerry's efforts are probably in vain. (Al Monitor)

Oren Kessler agrees Kerry is trying to kickstart a peace process nobody wants. (Foreign Policy)

Alan Elsner says cautious optimism is the only reasonable response to Kerry's initiatives. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Paul Pillar also says Kerry deserves applause but judgment on the outcome should be withheld. (The National Interest)

Elliott Abrams questions what can be accomplished if Israeli-Palestinian negotiations actually resume. (CFR)

Musa Keilani says everyone wants a two-state solution but Israel's policies must change for that to be accomplished. (Gulf Today)

Matthew Duss says a two-state solution is still essential to the American national interest. (Center for American Progress)

Ido Kenan says a wide range of Israelis are protesting a government decision to shut down a Palestinian children's festival in occupied East Jerusalem. (Ha'aretz)

Yossi Verter says PM Netanyahu has completely lost control of his own Likud party. (Ha'aretz)

Mazal Mualem interviews MK Zandberg, who endorses a boycott of settlement goods. (Al Monitor)

Stewart Ain interviews MK Koll, who says there is no alternative to a two-state solution. (Jewish Week)

Ben Caspit says Israel is cautiously optimistic that the difficulties facing the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt will also damage Hamas. (Al Monitor)

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem describes the ordeal Palestinian workers face going to their jobs in Israel. (B'Tselem)

NEWS:

Sec. Kerry's efforts to forge new Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are complicated by unrest throughout the Middle East. (New York Times)

Kerry's top aides are continuing efforts following his recent trip to the region. (Jerusalem Post)

Kerry says new peace talks are unlikely until September. (Washington Post)

Pres. Abbas says he is optimistic about Kerry's efforts and the prospects of new talks with Israel. (AP)

Israeli officials say negotiations won't proceed unless Abbas wants them to. (PNN)

Caretaker PM Hamdallah calls on the US to stop "Israeli violations" that hinder peace. (Xinhua)

A Palestinian official says he's still concerned about American "bias" towards Israel. (Times of Israel)

Israeli DM Ya'alon classifies "price tag" violence as "illegal organizing," which subjects it to penalties heretofore reserved for Palestinian groups. (YNet/Times of Israel)

A 19-year-old Palestinian man is killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. (New York Times/Reuters/Xinhua)

The killing leads to further clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank. (Ma'an)

Israeli actors protest the government's closing of a Palestinian children's theater in occupied East Jerusalem. (AP/LA Times)

Jordan protests proposed Israeli plans to forcibly relocate 40,000 Bedouins. (Xinhua)

Israel is preparing to dismantle an "unauthorized" wildcat settlement outpost by mid-July. (Ha'aretz)

The PA religious affairs minister asks Arab Idol winner Assaf to postpone free West Bank concerts in solidarity with the Egyptian people. (Ma'an)

Assaf goes ahead with a wildly popular but brief free concert in Ramallah. (Ha'aretz)

Assaf's success continues to polarize Hamas. (Al Monitor)

Turkey's deputy PM claims the "Jewish Diaspora" is behind unrest against PM Erdogan's regime. (Ha'aretz)

Israel complains to the Netherlands about a report on the Israeli-Palestinian situation critical of its policies. (Times of Israel)

A Kuwaiti MP expresses an unusual degree of public support for Israel on television. (Times of Israel)

Australia’s new deputy PM is a founding member of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine group. (JTA)

Egypt reportedly deploys 30 tanks to secure the border area with Gaza. (Jerusalem Post)

Hundreds of Palestinian fishermen protest Israel's Gaza blockade and limited fishing zones. (UPI)

COMMENTARY:

Shlomo Ben Ami says peace with the Palestinians would bring huge dividends for Israel. (Project Syndicate)

Nahum Barnea says Kerry deserves credit for his efforts, but he can't succeed without Pres. Obama's direct help. (YNet)

Matthew Kalman says he's having a hard time understanding Kerry's optimism. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

David Landau says PM Netanyahu's right to be concerned about Israeli public's support for a peace agreement, but the Palestinian public is equally important. (Ha'aretz)

David Horovitz says Kerry's real challenge is changing the attitudes on both sides, especially among Palestinians. (Times of Israel)

Akiva Eldar says Israelis are trapped in a condition of apathy about peace and occupation. (Al Monitor)

Brian Freedman says peace activists and political leaders need to get together before progress can be made. (Jerusalem Post)

Ariela Ringel-Hoffman says Israel should release Palestinian prisoners as a "goodwill gesture" for peace. (YNet)

Brent Sasley says he doubts Netanyahu either wants or will try to leave the Likud party. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Don Futterman says Israel's law enforcement efforts against "price tag" vigilantes has been apathetic. (Ha'aretz)

Simone Zimmerman says blind support for Israel's occupation policies can't be an effective counter to BDS. (Ha'aretz)

Hazem Balousha says Hamas is wary and concerned about the transfer of power in Qatar. (Al Monitor)

Mazal Mualem says Israel's leadership needs to realize that the anti-Morsi protests are a sign of real hope. (Al Monitor)

William Burr and Avner Cohen describe how Israel's early nuclear weapons project was fueled by uranium from Argentina. (Foreign Policy)

NEWS:

Sec. Kerry concludes his latest trip to the region, saying he had "very positive discussions," and remaining upbeat about new negotiations. (New York Times/LA Times/AP)

Kerry's trip had been extended longer than initially planned, but still yielded no breakthrough. (New York Times/Reuters)

The election of extremist Likud leader Danon as party Chair raises further doubts about Israel's commitment to a two-state solution. (AP)

PM Netanyahu vows that any peace agreement must be put to a referendum.(Xinhua)

Analysts speculate Kerry may have succeeded in laying the groundwork for future progress, as acknowledged by Palestinian officials. (Xinhua)

Pres. Abbas reportedly tells Kerry Israel's "goodwill gestures" thus far are insufficient, but that Americans seem to understand the Palestinian position. (Xinhua/Ha'aretz)

Palestinian officials blame Israel for the lack of resolution on new talks. (UPI)

An Israeli cabinet minister says the timing of prisoner release is one of the remaining sticking points between the parties. (Times of Israel)

Hamas warns against "futile" negotiations with Israel. (Ma'an)

Israel's chief negotiator Livni says European boycotts of settlement products could extend to all Israeli goods. (Jerusalem Post)

Israel is adding additional incentives for prospective tenants of almost 1000 new settler housing units in occupied East Jerusalem. ( AFP)

A Jewish extremist is arrested by Israeli police for desecrating a monastery in the occupied West Bank. (Reuters)

Hamas deploys more forces around the Egyptian border. (Xinhua)

Arab Idol winner Mohammad Assaf will hold three free concerts across the West Bank in July. (Ma'an)

Assaf's success continues to put Hamas in an extremely difficult position. (Al Arabiya)

A new study suggests Israel collects $11 million a year from Palestinians in identity card fees. (PNN)

Prof. Meron Medzini leads historical tours around Israel and the occupied territories. (Christian Science Monitor)

Hussein al-Deik wins the Palestinian "The President" reality TV show. (NPR)

COMMENTARY:

Leonard Fein calls extremist leaders like Danon "Israel's most dangerous enemies." (The Forward)

Ha'aretz calls Israel's settlement and occupation activity in the South Hebron Hills "annexation in disguise." (Ha'aretz)

Yitzhak Laor asks if Israel would have freed Nelson Mandela if he had been a Palestinian. (Ha'aretz)

Sharif Nashashibi says the political vacuum in Ramallah might help focus the attention of the Palestinian people on the need for change. (Al Arabiya)

Ahmed Aldabba explains why he prefers to live in Gaza than in Egypt. (Christian Science Monitor)

The National says Kerry's latest efforts leave little grounds for optimism. (The National)

Barak Ravid says, even if Kerry doesn't succeed in restarting negotiations, he's trying harder than anyone else. (Ha'aretz)

Raphael Ahren says, given Kerry's confidence, either he's afraid of "humiliating failures" or he knows something the rest of us know. (Times of Israel)

The Daily Star accuses Israel of "sabotaging peace." (The Daily Star)

Shlomi Eldar says the Palestinian Interaction Committee was another excellent initiative that failed from the outset. (Al Monitor)

Haviv Rettig Gur says, by placing himself above party politics, PM Netanyahu may have squandered control of the Likud. (Times of Israel)

Amos Harel says the turmoil in the Middle East has reduced the threats Israel, at least for now. (Ha'aretz)

Merav Betito says there's a double standard in Israel for Jewish and Arab convicted felons. (YNet)

Rebecca Rachmany says Israel is, indeed, an apartheid state, and she thinks that's a good thing and that Israelis believe in equality anyway. (Times of Israel)

Bakr Oweida says the success of Mohammed Assaf shows the limitations of Hamas' rule in Gaza. (Asharq Al Awsat)

Amira Hass says Palestinian creativity is flourishing all over, not just through Assaf. (Ha'aretz)

Emily Hauser asks why, since McDonald's settlement boycott is 20 years old, settlers are so upset now. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Yossi Mekelberg says, given a continued deadlock, a third intifada is a real possibility, but would be very dangerous for Palestinians. (Al Arabiya)

NEWS:

Sec. Kerry is back in Israel for more talks with PM Netanyahu at the beginning of another round of peace efforts. (AP/AFP)

Rumors persist that Kerry would like to broker a meeting between Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas. (Washington Post)

Netanyahu may be sending signals that he is ready for compromises. (AP/Ha'aretz)

Secret Israeli-Palestinian talks about the release of pre-Oslo prisoners may have been ongoing. (Ma'an)

Likud ministers say they're concerned that peace moves may split their party. (Jerusalem Post)

The BBC looks at a proposed massive investment project in the Palestinian economy. (BBC)

King Abdullah II of Jordan says Israel's unilateral measures and "repeated violations" against holy sites in Jerusalem undermine peace opportunities. (Xinhua)

The Israeli government is considering recognizing 40 more "unauthorized" settlement housing units, against opposition from Israel's Supreme Court. (Jerusalem Post)

Israel is considering demolishing an EU-funded humanitarian project for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. (Xinhua/Ha'aretz)

OHCHR warns of the possibility that Palestinian anger could lead to another round of violence in the occupied territories. (PNN)

Islamic Jihad reportedly ends its three-day schism with Hamas. (Times of Israel)

The EU is making another €10 million contribution to help fund PA services to address extreme poverty in the occupied Palestinian territories. (PNN)

Palestinians say Israeli soldiers shot and wounded a Palestinian man during clashes in Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. (Ma'an)

DM Ya'alon advises newly graduated Israel Air Force pilots to be ready for action at any moment. (Xinhua)

Israel says it has arrested a five-man PFLP cell in the occupied West Bank. (Xinhua)

Hamas says PM Erdogan is to visit Gaza next week. (Xinhua)

Egyptian security forces say they don't plan to close Gaza border crossings during the planned June 30 protests against Pres. Morsi. (Ma'an)

Egypt continues to crack down on smuggling across the Gaza border. (AP/Times of Israel)

Palestinians await the final episode of the "reality TV" contest "The President." (Ma'an)

OCHA is expanding its relief program for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. (PNN)

The UN renews its peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights for another six months. (Reuters)

COMMENTARY:

Hisham Melhem says a sectarian cancer is consuming the Arab world. (An-Nahar, translated by ATFP)

The Forward says Kerry's efforts are more important to Israelis and Palestinians, even if they don't realize it, than they are to Americans. (The Forward)

Abraham Cooper and Harold Brackman say Kerry's challenge is to empower "the right Palestinians." (New York Daily News)

Yoel Marcus says Netanyahu is slowly going through the same process former PM Sharon did in understanding the dangers of occupation for Israel. (Ha'aretz)

Rami Livni also thinks Netanyahu is a late convert to the need for peace with the Palestinians. (Ha'aretz)

Akiva Eldar says Netanyahu faces a choice between moving forward on peace and splitting his own party. (Al Monitor)

J.J. Goldberg says we haven't yet seen real movement from Netanyahu, but the possibility of movement. (The Forward)

Chemi Shalev says outrage by settlers and their supporters that McDonald's won't open a branch in a settlement shows how far they've distanced themselves from reality. (Ha'aretz)

Nadine Epstein says moderate voices on both sides must be strengthened for Israeli-Palestinian peace to stand a chance. (Christian Science Monitor)

The Economist asks what's next for Palestinians after the resignation of PM Hamdallah. (The Economist)

Adnan Abu Amer interviews Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya about his organization's loss of support from Iran. (Al Monitor)

Mazal Mualem interviews Israeli Deputy Interior Minister Faina Kirshenbaum, who describes Abbas as "a political corpse." (Al Monitor)

Joyce Karam says Fadel Shaker and Mohammed Assaf represent two models of how to handle Arab pop stardom. (Al Arabiya)

NEWS:

Sec. Kerry says time is the enemy in his push for Israeli-Palestinian peace. (New York Times/AP/AFP)

Kerry says the parties must show "some kind of progress" before the next UN General Assembly meeting in September. (Ha'aretz)

Kerry is arriving in Israel today, and insists Israeli and Palestinian leaders want peace. (Xinhua/Reuters)

American and Palestinian officials criticize Israel's announcement of 69 new settlement units in occupied East Jerusalem, on the eve of Kerry's upcoming visit. (AP/New York Times)

Israel's outgoing central bank governor Fischer says Israel needs to strengthen Palestinian leaders who want to create an independent state. (AP)

Diplomats suggest that a proposed $4 billion investment program for Palestine is contingent on the resumption of negotiations. (Times of Israel)

An unnamed Likud minister says PM Netanyahu is willing to withdraw from 90% of the West Bank, excluding settlement blocs and keeping an open-ended military presence in the Jordan Valley. (Ha'aretz)

Palestinian officials say they are "willing to meet Netanyahu halfway." (Jerusalem Post)

Netanyahu says peace with the Palestinians is a must, but it won't stop defamation of Israel. (Ha'aretz)

Netanyahu and Pres. Peres both explicitly reject the idea of a binational state for Israel and the Palestinians. (YNet)

Israel's AG and DM are at odds over government recognition for a heretofore "unauthorized" settlement outpost. (Ha'aretz)

Desalinization is seen as a potential key in solving Gaza's long-term water crisis. (Reuters)

A French media personality Is convicted of libel after claiming the footage of the death of 12-year-old Mohammed al-Dura was fabricated. (YNet/Times of Israel/AP)

Israel arrests 19 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, sparking clashes with protesters. (Ma'an)

Egypt is going ahead with prosecutions against nine persons accused of spying for Israel. (Xinhua)

Israel's Supreme Court urges the Health Ministry to ensure hospitals have non-Jewish prayer rooms. (Xinhua)

Israel faces major decisions regarding newly discovered offshore energy reserves. (Christian Science Monitor)

A Palestinian restauranteur returns to the West Bank from Paris, lured by the food of his home country. (Christian Science Monitor)

Settlers call for a boycott of McDonald's, after the restaurant chain refuses to open a branch in a settlement. (Jerusalem Post)

Some Palestinians are increasingly looking at nonviolent anti-apartheid tactics such as sports to advance their cause. (The National)

Palestinian militants warn of the potential for a third intifada. (Al Jazeera)

A new poll shows Hezbollah is losing support among Palestinians. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Rima Kitana Nezzal says Salam Fayyad set the standard for all other Arab and Palestinian leaders in pursuing women's rights and empowerment. (Al Ayyam, translated by ATFP)

Kimberly Marten says reformed security forces must trump violent, patronage-based politics for Palestinian state-building to be accomplished. (International Herald Tribune)

The National says, with the resignation of PM Hamdallah, Palestinians are once again being let down by their own leaders. (The National)

George Hishmeh says Kerry has both the time and the opportunity to deliver Israel on peace before the next UN meeting. (Gulf News)

The Daily Star says Kerry's rhetoric won't be enough to shift Israel on peace. (The Daily Star)

Michael Jansen agrees that so far there isn't much substance behind Kerry's efforts. (Jordan Times)

Patrick Martin says the rising challenge by anti-2-state Israeli extremists to Netanyahu threatens the prospects for peace. (Globe and Mail)

David Grossman says a new road being built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories destroys the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. (Ha'aretz)

The PLO issues a statement on "what is needed for the resumption of credible negotiations." (PNN)

Adi Schwartz says Israel must fight back against accusations in the Mohammed al-Dura affair. (Ha'aretz)

Carlo Strenger says Moshe Arens' vision of an Israeli version of a one-state solution is actually a nightmare. (Ha'aretz)

Hagai Segal says it's more important for Israel to be "Jewish" than to be "democratic." (YNet)

Israel Harel says Israel has a double standard when it comes to land claims by settlers and Bedouins. (Ha'aretz)

Douglas Bloomfield says Netanyahu's deeds must match his words, especially to preserve relations with the United States. (Jerusalem Post)

Linda Gradstein says Israel's ruling Likud party is shifting even more to the right. (The Media Line)

Hana Salah says the Palestinian Stock Exchange has room to grow. (Al Monitor)

NEWS:

The chorus of opposition in Israel to Palestinian statehood is growing quickly. (AFP)

A leading PLO official says immediate resumption of negotiations with Israel is unlikely. (Xinhua)

The return of Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf delights most Palestinians in Gaza, but Hamas is still uneasy about the "un-Islamic" program and his songs. (New York Times)

Assaf urges Palestinian unity. (AP) 

PM Erdogan once again says he will pay a "surprise visit" to Gaza sometime soon. (Xinhua)

Israel's coalition parties are unable to agree on a draft bill defining Israel as a "Jewish state." (Jerusalem Post)

The Israeli military announces it will confiscate more Palestinian land near Nablus. (Ma'an)

25 Israeli authors petition the High Court against plans to evict 1000 Palestinians from their homes south of Hebron. (Times of Israel/Daily Beast–Open Zion)

Israeli settlers attack vehicles and torch fields near Nablus and assault Israeli human rights activists near Qalqiliya. (Ma'an)

Israeli leaders warn against attacks from Syria on the occupied Golan Heights. (AP)

Israel will reopen Gaza crossings today. (Xinhua)

Bedouins in Israel are infuriated by a proposed mass relocation law. (Xinhua)

Israel is now the world's sixth biggest arms exporter. (Xinhua)

Hamas leader Hanniyeh reiterates that his organization will never recognize Israel. (Ma'an)

The Arab Bank asks the US Supreme Court to cancel a lawsuit holding it responsible for actions by Hamas and Hezbollah. (Jerusalem Post)

The latest figures from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics shows a slight increase in imports and exports in April. (PNN)

Israel's far right wing deputy DM Danon is elected president of the ruling Likud party convention. (Ha'aretz)

Arab citizens feel left out of the sentiments contained in Israel's national anthem. (The Media Line)

McDonald's reportedly refuses to open a branch in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. (Jerusalem Post)

An amusement park in Gaza caters especially to the children of those killed, wounded or arrested by Israel. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Asharq Al-Awsat interviews King Abdullah of Jordan, who warns of another Palestinian uprising of peace talks fail. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Aaron David Miller says Kerry has an outside chance at advancing Middle East peace, but only if PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas cooperate. (Foreign Affairs)

Ha'aretz says Netanyahu has to prove that he's really interested in holding negotiations, and not just talking about them. (Ha'aretz)

Zvi Bar'el says Netanyahu wants to ensure peace negotiations never even begin. (Ha'aretz)

Shaul Rosenfeld says Israel has to face the possibility that the conflict with the Palestinians may be irresolvable. (YNet)

Nahum Barnea says negotiations with the Palestinians are vital for Israel. (YNet)

The Jerusalem Post says Kerry should listen to Israel's concerns about resuming peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (Jerusalem Post)

Dov Waxman says there is little chance most Jewish-Americans will heed Sec. Kerry's call to be helpful on peace. (Ha'aretz)

Zalman Shoval says Kerry will find that it is the Palestinian, and not the Israeli, leadership that lacks the will for peace. (Jerusalem Post)

Uri Resnick insists that Israel actually has a fairly good record of international philanthropy. (Los Angeles Times)

David Horovitz interviews Canadian FM Baird about relations with Israel. (Times of Israel)

Shlomi Eldar says "price tag" attacks on Palestinians are the result of official leniency towards Jewish extremists. (Al Monitor)

Meir Javedanfar says Netanyahu needs a new Iran policy following the reformist victory in that country's recent elections. (Al Monitor)

Brent Sasley says, no matter how obstreperous he might be, everyone has no choice but to work with Netanyahu. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Maysoon Zayid looks at Assaf's rise from underdog to idol. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Deema Alsaafin says politicizing Assaf's victory is highly problematic. (SMPalestine)

NEWS:

A visit by PM Netanyahu to a Jewish settlement on the eve of Sec. Kerry's visit highlights various challenges facing the peace process. (New York Times/Washington Post)

Israeli officials say they will make "goodwill" concessions to Palestinians after Kerry's visit. (Xinhua/Times of Israel)

Kerry is reportedly hoping to host a meeting this week between Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas. (YNet)

Abbas says he intends to resume negotiations with Israel in the near future, though some PA officials deny this. (Ma'an/Times of Israel)

Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu is considering a settlement freeze and prisoner release in preparation for renewed negotiations. (PNN)

PA officials ask Israel to release 120 Palestinian prisoners as a "goodwill gesture." (Jerusalem Post)

Netanyahu urges Palestinians to negotiate until the conflict is resolved, but says talks must be meaningful. (Ha'aretz/Times of Israel)

Israeli cabinet minister and political leader Bennett says peace would lead to violence. (Times of Israel)

Mohammad Assaf, winner of this year's Arab Idol TV singing contest, receives a hero's welcome back in Gaza, including from the once-unenthusiastic Hamas. (AP/Ma'an/The Economist)

Assaf calls Abbas to thank him for his support. (PNN)

Israel reopens a checkpoint near Nablus after shots were fired at a settler bus. (Ma'an)

Israel keeps Gaza crossings closed for a second day. (Ma'an)

Egypt is intensifying its crackdown on Gaza smuggling tunnels. (Reuters)

The Knesset approves the first reading of a bill for a massive resettlement of Bedouins. (Xinhua)

12 Palestinians are reported to have been killed in Syria last week. (PNN)

A senior Hamas figure says overthrowing Assad has priority over "jihad in Palestine." (Jerusalem Post)

Fatah, Hamas and other Palestinian groups are refusing to get involved in sectarian fighting in southern Lebanon. (Times of Israel/Al Monitor)

Hamas says it has held more talks with Islamic Jihad in order to continue to try to reduce tensions. (Xinhua)

Palestinians say settlers assault local shepherds in the occupied West Bank. (PNN)

The Archbishop of Canterbury will visit Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories soon. (The Guardian)

COMMENTARY:

Michael Wilner says Kerry's return to the region shows he's doubling down on peace efforts. (Jerusalem Post)

The AP says other US officials are trying to "rein in" Kerry's ambitious foreign policy initiatives, including on Israeli-Palestinian peace. (AP)

Daniel Gavron says there just isn't enough popular support for peace in the Israeli public for Kerry to work with. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Noga Tarnopolsky interviews chief Israeli negotiator Livni. (Global Post)

Orni Petruschka says Israel should stop bothering to negotiate and start taking constructive unilateral actions. (Ha'aretz)

Avi Issacharoff agrees that Islamic Jihad's new rocket attacks on Israel are part of its feud with Hamas. (Times of Israel)

Zafrir Rinat and Jonathan Lis explain Israel's new Bedouin resettlement law. (Ha'aretz)

Amos Harel says Israel's military learned important lessons during the last Gaza war. (Ha'aretz)

Moshe Arens says there is a huge spectrum of racism against Arabs in Israel, not restricted to "price tag" attacks. (Ha'aretz)

Arad Nir asks if the Turkish regime is trying to use Israel as a scapegoat for ongoing social unrest. (Al Monitor)

Akiva Eldar says Abbas and the whole world are letting Netanyahu make a mockery of the peace process by not challenging him. (Al Monitor)

Bernard Avishai says Israeli-Palestinian business cooperation actually could help advance peace. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

NEWS:

Pres. Abbas accepts PM Hamdallah's resignation after only two weeks in office. (New York Times/AP/AFP)

Hamdallah will remain as caretaker PM until at least August 10, and he says he has no dispute with Abbas. (Ma'an)

Abbas' top aides are seen as front runners for the PM position, if he does not take the job himself. (Ha'aretz)

Mohammed Assaf, the young Palestinian singer from Gaza who won this year's Arab Idol contest, is named a UN goodwill ambassador. (AP)

Assaf's victory provides a rare moment of national unity and pride for Palestinians. (Reuters/Xinhua/AFP)

Hamas appears less enthusiastic about Assaf's victory, disapproving either of singing or his Fatah-inspired nationalistic songs. (The National)

An exchange of rocket fire and air strikes between Israel and militants in Gaza strains the existing cease-fire. (New York Times/AP/Reuters)

Islamic Jihad tells Hamas an inquiry into the death of one of its members, that has strained relations between the groups, "must be fair." (Ma'an/Jerusalem Post)

Former FM Lieberman says Israel should fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip in response to the latest exchange of attacks. (Xinhua)

The Netherlands reportedly briefly brokered secret Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in 2012 (Irish Times)

Israel appears likely to avoid what had been potential strong criticism from the EU. (Jerusalem Post)

Two days before Sec. Kerry arrives in Israel, PM Netanyahu dedicates a school named after his father in a West Bank settlement. (Ha'aretz)

Hamas executes two more Palestinian men convicted of being informants for Israel. (New York Times)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad are providing paramilitary training to teenagers at summer camps. (Xinhua/Al Monitor)

An Egyptian court accuses Hamas and Hezbollah of conspiring with the Muslim Brotherhood in a 2011 jailbreak that freed many prisoners, including Pres. Morsi. (Times of Israel)

The Israeli government officially condemns another "price tag" attack by suspected Jewish extremists against a Palestinian village. (Xinhua)

Israel blocks a children's festival in occupied East Jerusalem, citing links to the PA. (Ha'aretz)

The Druze community in Israel has asked the government for permission to shelter Syrian relatives. (Xinhua)

Palestinian citizens of Israel are being kept out of a segregated "Jewish city" in the lower Galilee. (The Forward)

An Israeli billionaire is investing millions in a new industrial park in a primarily Palestinian-city in Israel, Nazareth. (The Forward)

COMMENTARY:

Khairallah Khairallah says Hamdallah's resignation won't make much difference to the PA, because the whole system is in total crisis. (Al Arabiya)

Felice Friedson and Diana Atallah say Hamdallah's resignation demonstrates the PA's flawed system. (The Media Line)

Jonathan Schanzer says Hamdallah's resignation shows the need for real PA reform. (FDD)

Amos Harel says Islamic Jihad's rocket attacks against Israel are part of its new feud with Hamas. (Ha'aretz)

The Washington Post interviews Israeli cabinet minister and right-wing leader Naftali Bennett. (Washington Post)

Mazal Mualem says young Israeli right-wing opponents of a two-state solution are starting to win the argument in Israel. (Al Monitor)

Reuven Pedatzur says Netanyahu needs to listen to his generals in the West Bank who are warning of potential violence. (Ha'aretz)

Yoaz Hendel says the new Israeli government doesn't appear to agree on anything, especially regarding the Palestinians. (YNet)

Gideon Levy says Israel's legitimacy is undermined by the occupation and persistent racism. (Ha'aretz)

Jawdat Ibrahim says "price tag" attacks on Palestinians are the result of a racist atmosphere pervasive in Israel. (YNet)

Daniel Ben Simon says the Palestinians of Nazareth are determined to integrate into and thrive in Israel. (Al Monitor)

Shlomi Eldar interviews former Israeli military commander Shaul Arieli on his pro-peace activism. (Al Monitor)

Maysoon Zayid looks at the grim future facing Palestinian graduates this year. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)

Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi looks at Hamas' relationship with Syria and rumors it is participating in the war there. (Jihadology)

NEWS:

PM Hamdallah submits his resignation after only two weeks in office. (New York Times/AP)

The resignation appears to be connected to a power struggle with Hamdallah's two Deputy PMs. (The National/Jerusalem Post)

Pres. Abbas' top aides failed to convince Hamdallah to withdraw his resignation after a three-hour meeting. (Ma'an)

Abbas will meet with Hamdallah today to further discuss the question. (Ma'an)

Former Fatah strongman in Gaza, Dahlan, says Hamdallah's resignation is no surprise to him. (Ma'an)

Abbas faces a set of stark choices on key national issues. (AP)

Fatah warns Hamas against interfering in regional affairs, and says such actions only damage the Palestinian national interest. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Israeli security forces kill a Jewish tourist at a holy site in occupied East Jerusalem, apparently because they thought he was a Palestinian preparing an attack. (New York Times/AP)

The PA says Israel has started using registered mail to inform Palestinians in the occupied territories that their land is being confiscated. (Ma'an)

Following Austria, the Philippines now says it may withdraw its peacekeepers from the Golan Heights. (New York Times)

The Palestinian government rejects a fatwa encouraging people not to watch the last round of Arab Idol, in which the Palestinian singer Muhammad Assaf is considered a major contender. (Ma'an)

Arab Idol TV singing contest favourite Mohammed Assaf carries the hopes of Palestinians into today's final round. (The Guardian/the Atlantic)

Palestinian refugees, displaced again, fleeing the Syrian war for Lebanon face major problems. (Washington Post)

An Israeli Education Ministry official is accused of banning Arabic teachers from corresponding in Arabic. (Ha'aretz)

The US cuts military aid to Israel by five percent. (Times of Israel)

On World Refugee Day, both Israelis and Palestinians demand recognition for their refugees. (Times of Israel)

Hamas leader Salah Bardawil insists there is no "rift" with Hezbollah over Syria. (Times of Israel)

Women activists in Gaza, discouraged from public engagement, take their agenda online. (Al Monitor)

Credit card fraud is rampant in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

NGOs are using soccer to try to break down barriers and discrimination between Palestinians and Israelis. (CNN)

COMMENTARY:

Hani Habeeb says the spokesperson for the new Palestinian government is misleading the public on the excellent performance of the Fayyad government, particularly on economic issues. (Al Ayam, translated by ATFP)

Roger Cohen says Jewish Americans can have a positive impact on peace, just as Irish-Americans did. (New York Times)

Raja Shehadeh says Palestinians are starting to understand the importance of architecture. (New York Times)

The Washington Post interviews PM Netanyahu and rising Israeli political star Yair Lapid. (Washington Post)

Zafrir Rinat says a new settlement is being built on the ruins of the Palestinian village of Al-Dawayima, which bears a tragic heritage. (Ha'aretz)

Niva Lanir says there is a pro-apartheid caucus of about 40 MKs in the present Knesset. (Ha'aretz)

David Landau says people are underestimating Pres. Peres, his repentance for helping to establish settlements and strong embrace of a two-state solution. (Ha'aretz)

Former FM Lieberman says Israel can't rely on international peacekeeping troops anywhere. (Jerusalem Post)

Yermi Brenner and Josh Nathan-Kazis say Jewish-American organizations are not heeding Sec. Kerry's plea for support on peace. (The Forward)

The Forward praises the American Jewish Committee for speaking up in favor of peace and a two-state solution. (The Forward)

Akiva Eldar says the election of a moderate in Iran and the Arab Peace Initiative mean Israel could exchange nuclear demilitarization for comprehensive peace. (Al Monitor)

Greg Garrison profiles Palestinian-American author Abe Fawal. (All Alabama)

NEWS:

The UN accuses Israel of torturing Palestinian children and using them as human shields. (Reuters)

PM Netanyahu says the EU should join the US in pushing for new Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. (AP)

The PA says it will redefine its relations with Israel if American-led peace efforts fail. (Xinhua)

Pres. Abbas' spokesman says he faces mounting internal pressure to join more multilateral agencies. (Xinhua)

The PA signs an agreement with the UNDP to improve infrastructure in "Area C" and occupied East Jerusalem. (PNN)

A group of young Palestinians is launching their own initiative to promote statehood and national development. (The Media Line)

Former Mossad chief Dagan says restartingtalks with Palestinians is a necessity and Israel has a unique opportunity to form new alliances. (Ha'aretz)

Finance Minister Lapid issues a rare criticism of his ally, Economy and Trade Minister Bennet over the two-state solution. (Jerusalem Post)

Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Ashton. (Xinhua)

Experts say Israel must define its policy for dealing with anti-Palestinian "price tag" violence by Jewish extremists. (AFP)

Leaders of major Jewish-American organizations are increasingly critical of anti-peace statements by Israeli officials. (Ha'aretz)

Statistics show 31% of Palestinians in the occupied territories live below the poverty line. (Ma'an)

Palestinians step up their campaign for Mohammed Assaf in the final stages of this year's Arab Idol TV singing contest. (Reuters)

Hamas issues another death sentence against a Palestinian for collaborating with Israel. (Xinhua)

Hamas is trying to persuade Western countries to remove it from lists of terrorist organizations. (Xinhua)

Hamas finds its political and financialties with Iran under heavy strain because of the war in Syria. (Reuters)

Iran cuts funding for Hamas cultural programs in Gaza. (Al Monitor)

Hamas says PM Erdogan is still planning to visit Gaza at some point. (Ma'an)

Islamic Jihad claims Hamas and Fatah are not doing much for national reconciliation. (Xinhua)

The Israeli Foreign Ministry fails to convince Google to remove the category "Palestine" from its products. (Ha'aretz)

Some Israelis are arguing that its nuclear arsenal is a threat to its own security. (Jerusalem Post)

Israeli settlers stone Palestinian cars near Nablus. (WAFA)

Palestinian tobacco farmers face numerous problems, including a crackdown on the "black economy." (Reuters)

Hamas police are cracking down on women enjoying themselves at Gaza beaches, with numerous restrictions. (Al Monitor)

COMMENTARY:

Rajab Abu Seryya says Salam Fayyad is a huge Palestinian national asset who is loved by the people and will continue to play major role. (Al Ayam, translated by ATFP)

ATFP says it is alarmed by "price tag" violence against Palestinians and welcomes Israeli and Jewish American condemnation of the attacks. (ATFP)

Mitch Ginsberg says, when it comes to some "price tag" attacks, Israeli security forces "are being outwitted by a bunch of 12-year-olds." (Times of Israel)

Nir Hasson says Israel's decision not to classify "price tag" attacks as "terrorism" withholds state support and compensation from its Palestinian victims. (Ha'aretz)

ATFP expresses pride in Mohammed Assaf, the singing phenomenon from the Arab Idol TV show, and urges its friends and supporters to vote for him in the final round. (ATFP)

Ha'aretz says Israelis who believe in democracy must fight government policies of discrimination and exclusion against Palestinians. (Ha'aretz)

Carlo Strenger says Netanyahu doesn't have what it takes to make the bold moves needed for peace. (Ha'aretz)

Gershon Baskin says Israel can't have it both ways: either it can be Jewish and democratic or it can keep the occupied territories. (Jerusalem Post)

Alex Fishman says any Israelis celebrating Sec. Kerry's "failure" on Middle East peace are reacting too soon. (YNet)

George Hishmeh says the US is going to have to get tough with Israel if it expects any cooperation on peace. (Gulf News)

Danielle Spiegel Feld says if Israel doesn't help move the peace process forward, it will make it easier for Palestinians to go back to the UN. (Jerusalem Post)

Ninette Kelley says the massive influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon is destabilizing the region. (New York Times)

David Pollock and Michael Eisenstadt explain what they think the US gains from its alliance with Israel. (JTA)

Haytham Mouzahem says Hezbollah would like to repair relations with Hamas despite the war in Syria. (Al Monitor)