Israel Faces Threat Of War In Gaza, Official Says
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Baltimore Sun
by David Wood - February 26, 2008 - 6:53pm

srael faces a growing potential of a devastating war in Gaza like the 2006 conflict in southern Lebanon that killed hundreds and wrecked large parts of the region, a senior Israeli official said today. Sallai Meridor, Israel's ambassador to the United States, said the extremist group Hamas is importing longer-range missiles, anti-tank weapons, mines and other weapons into Gaza through the border with Egypt.

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Israel Sees Progress In Peace Talks
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Al Jazeera English
February 25, 2008 - 7:29pm

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to build teams of government experts in an effort to boost peace talks, according to an Israeli official.   The teams will examine issues including security, trade and water use, Arye Mekel, Israel's foreign ministry spokesman, said on Sunday. bodyVariable350="Htmlphcontrol1_lblError";  

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Hamas's Illegitimacy
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post
(Editorial) February 25, 2008 - 7:28pm

Politicians, ex-intelligence chiefs and men of letters are among the swelling - if still relatively marginal - chorus of those advocating direct contacts with Hamas as an antidote to the daily Kassam attacks on Sderot and its western Negev surroundings. Only an accommodation with those who hold sway in Gaza, they argue, can restore a modicum of serenity to the suffering south.

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Europe: Heading For A New Security Deal With Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Inter Press Service (IPS)
by David Cronin - February 25, 2008 - 7:25pm

The European Union is considering new steps to deepen its cooperation on scientific research with Israel, despite admitting that previous funds earmarked for that purpose have gone to firms operating illegally in the Palestinian territories. Between now and 2013, the Israeli government is to contribute 440 million euros (652 million dollars) per year so that it can participate in the EU's so-called framework programme for research.

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Israel’s Hamas Predicament: Shoot Or Talk
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Financial Times
by Tobias Buck - (Opinion) February 25, 2008 - 7:23pm

The Gaza Strip nestles on a flat, sandy piece of land along the Mediterranean coast, but viewed from Jerusalem the territory resembles a quivering volcano. Ever since Hamas, the Islamist group, took control of the strip last June, the government of Israel has struggled to come up with a Gaza strategy that matches its policy goals. With violence on the rise and the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsening by the day, Israel’s leaders are under pressure to formulate a new approach.

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In Israel, Some See No Option But War
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Washington Post
by Griff Witte - February 25, 2008 - 7:21pm

Aharon Peretz has spent most of his 51 years in this cactus-fringed, working-class town, and he would like to stay. But his wife and six children feel differently: Daily retreats to the basement during rocket strikes from the nearby Gaza Strip have frayed their nerves, and an attack that cost an uncle both his legs has convinced them it's time to go. Peace will return for his family, Peretz has decided, only if Israel chooses to go to war with his neighbors.

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Hamas: We Won't Rule Out Any Bid For Cease-fire With Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
February 22, 2008 - 5:36pm

A Hamas spokesman praised on Friday a decision by European Union lawmakers in Strasbourg, France on Thursday calling on Israel to end the blockade and open Gaza's border crossings. "We in Hamas are highly appreciative of the initiative and the call made by the EU parliament to end the siege imposed on Gaza," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri. "We consider this an important development in the European attitude."

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Who Is Pressuring Gaza?
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz
(Editorial) February 22, 2008 - 5:35pm

Two news reports, that complemented one another, on the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip were published yesterday. Haaretz reported there is growing international criticism - in Europe, Russia, the United Nations and even in the American administration - of Israel's policy toward the Gaza Strip. Al-Hayat reported that during a recent visit to Turkey, Defense Minister Ehud Barak considered the possibility of establishing a multinational force to oversee the situation in the Gaza Strip.

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Arab Attempts To Lure Damascus Hit The Walls Of Syrian Demands In Lebanon
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Raghidadergham.com
by Raghida Dergham - (Opinion) February 22, 2008 - 4:25pm

There is increasing talk of intelligence information about an alleged dispute within the regime in Damascus; some intelligence information even refers to indicators implying that the Syrian regime is willing to accept proposals. A few take this information seriously and encourage responsiveness to any indicators heralding a potential positive change, especially if such change weakens certain figures associated with intelligence activities. Those embracing this view believe that responsiveness can save Syria from collective punishment.

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Hamas Urges Eu To Up Pressure On Israel Over Gaza
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
February 22, 2008 - 4:10pm

Hamas called on the European Union on Friday to step up pressure on Israel to lift its economic and military blockade of the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Islamist group. "We urge the European Union not to limit its action to purely calling for an end to the siege but also to apply political and practical pressure on Israel," Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said.

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