NEWS
Egyptian kidnappers release two tourists [1], one of whom is a Palestinian citizen of Israel. (Ha'aretz/Reuters)
Israeli occupation forces impose a general closure of the West Bank [2] through the end of Passover. (JTA/Jerusalem Post)
A new tour is giving Israelis a closer look at Ramallah [3], in some ways. (New York Times)
Israeli human rights group call on their government to ease new restrictions on Gaza [4] fishermen. (AFP)
An Israeli general suggests the possibility of creating a "buffer zone" across the Syrian border [5] If the Damascus regime is overthrown. (Reuters)
Pres. Abbas arrives in Doha [6] for the latest Arab League summit. (Ma'an)
A hunger striking Palestinian prisoner is again said to be in mortal peril [7]. (Xinhua)
The PA says it wants membership in Interpol [8] to better fight corruption. (Xinuha)
Australia's Foreign Minister his country wants Israel to explain the 2010 death of alleged Mossad agent Ben Zygier [9]. (Ha'aretz)
Qatar proposes the creation of a $1 billion fund for Palestinians in East Jerusalem [10], and contributes the first $250 million. (Reuters/Jerusalem Post)
COMMENTARY
Ha'aretz [11] says Sec. Kerry's vigorous engagement with Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy shows Pres. Obama's visit was not a one-time event. (Ha'aretz)
Akiva Eldar [12] says Pres. Abbas can force PM Netanyahu's hand by returning to negotiations even without a settlement freeze. (Al Monitor)
Hussein Ibish [13] looks at exaggerated optimism and pessimism about Obama's trip. (Now)
Ron Kampeas [14] says Obama built-up political capital during the trip, but it's unclear how he's going to use it. (JTA)
Nathan Jeffay [15] asks if young Israelis are really going to follow Obama towards peace. (The Forward)
The Economist [16] says the trip looks a lot different from the Palestinian point of view. (The Economist)
Aaron David Miller [17] says Obama's trip was nothing new or impressive. (Foreign Policy)
Ben Lynfield [18] thinks the trip shows Obama has given up on peace. (The National Interest)
Maud Newton [19] looks at the passionate pro-Israel stance of some American Evangelical Christians. (New York Times)
Khaled Elgindy [20] says the US needs to take Palestinian, as well as Israeli, politics into consideration. (LA Times)
Linah Alsaafin [21] describes the struggles of a Palestinian family trying to hold onto its landing the occupied West Bank. (Al Monitor)
Ben Gittleson [22] profiles Obama’s new National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf. (Daily Beast/Open Zion)
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