NEWS:
The aftermath of Pres. Obama's Middle East trip raises hopes of a US push [1] on Israeli-Palestinian peace, particularly as Turkey and Israel repair their relations [2]. (New York Times)
Palestinian officials say they've agreed to enter into exploratory talks [3] about new negotiations, but reject another partial, temporary settlement freeze [4]. (Xinhua/AP)
The Israeli government appears more committed to settlements [5] than ever. (CSM)
A new poll suggests most Israeli right-wingers would accept a two state agreement [6], including a division of Jerusalem. (Ha'aretz)
Palestinian officials say the US is trying to bring Arab states [7] into its renewed peace efforts, and expect a new US initiative in the next few weeks [8]. (AP/Times of Israel)
Palestinian officials say the PA economy still faces a crisis despite the release of $500 million in US aid. [9] (Ma'an)
Israel says it's going to resume transferring Palestinian tax revenues [10] to the PA immediately. (AFP)
PM Erdogan says it will take time [11] to fully restore ties with Israel. (AP)
Israel denies [12] the new understanding with Turkey involves ending the blockade [13] of Gaza. (Reuters/Xinhua)
On Sunday, Israel extended the closure [14] of the only commercial crossing into Gaza. (Xinhua)
The Israeli-Turkish rapprochement appears based on shared concerns about Syria [15]. (CSM)
Josh Rogin describes the circumstances of the phone call [16]that began mending Israeli-Turkish relations. (Foreign Policy)
A Hamas court in Gaza issues a death sentence [17] on a Palestinian accused of collaborating with Israel. (Ma'an)
The Israeli military says it fired into Syria after being attacked [18] across the frontier with the occupied Golan Heights. (Reuters)
A Palestinian citizen of Israel student who heckled Obama [19] explains his outburst. (New York Times)
Palestinian officials complain Christians in the occupied West Bank received less than half [20] of their requested permits from Israel to visit Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. (Ma'an)
Occupation forces dismantle [21] a Palestinian tent protest against the planned E1 settlement expansion. (Ma'an)
COMMENTARY:
Warren Bass [22] says Obama showed PM Netanyahu and Pres. Abbas how to marshal public opinion on peace. (Foreign Policy)
Thomas Friedman [23] says Israelis and Palestinians need to work with Obama to restart peace talks urgently. (New York Times)
Dana Milbank [24] says Obama looked more like a tourist than a peacemaker. (Washington Post)
Ari Shavit [25] says the challenge of ending occupation is closely linked to finding solutions regarding Iran. (Ha'aretz)
The Jerusalem Post [26] says "regional realities" compelled Netanyahu to apologize to Turkey. (Jerusalem Post)
Hassan Barari [27] agrees the Israeli-Turkish rapprochement is pragmatic. (Arab News)
Chemi Shalev [28] says that Israel got "tough love" from Obama. (Ha'aretz)
Adel Safty [29] says Obama clearly won over a lot of skeptical Israelis, but wonders if it will be enough to make much of a difference. (Gulf News)
Bradley Burston [30] says Obama's trip has prompted him to drop his long-standing cynicism. (Ha'aretz)
Raghida Dergham [31] says the second Obama administration is crushing the hopes of the first. (Al Hayat)
Nasouh Al Majali [32] says Obama's visit only proved American priorities are not focused on peace. (Jordan Times)
Arnaud de Borchgrave [33] says the fate of Jordan is critical to US, Turkish, Arab and Israeli policies. (UPI)
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