NEWS:
New PA PM Hamdallah [1] is primarily known for expanding the University he headed [2], and for his career as a scholar [3] . (Bloomberg/New York Times/WAFA)
His new government [4] faces many challenges [5], and he is widely seen as a caretaker [6] figure. (Xinhua/BBC/Washington Post)
Many experts wonder [7] if Hamdallah can really [8] fill the shoes left by former PM Fayyad [9]. (Christian Science Monitor/Wall Street Journal/The Media Line)
Hamdallah says he will prioritize Palestinian reconciliation [10], but many Palestinians see little hope [11] of that and express disappointment, apathy and skepticism [12]. (Al Arabiya/Gulf News/Ha'aretz)
In remarks to the American Jewish Committee [13], Sec. Kerry says the coming days will be crucial [14] in the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace. (State Department/Ha'aretz/AP/Reuters)
Palestinians say the failure of Kerry's mission is "not an option" [15]for them. (Ma'an)
Kerry may soon return [16] to the Middle East for more peace efforts. (Reuters/Jerusalem Post)
Palestinians are asking an Israeli court to order the evacuation of the "Ulpana" settlement which is built on private Palestinian property [17]. (Jerusalem Post)
Israeli occupation forces say they have foiled a "terror plot" by Hamas [18], and arrested eight Palestinians [19], in the occupied West Bank. (Xinhua/Ma'an)
The PA arrests a Bethlehem journalist [20] on charges of spreading sectarian hatred and false information. (Ma'an)
A US government website publicizes classified information [21] detailing the location, design and specifications of a launch site for Israel’s new Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system. (Times of Israel)
Hamas leaders reportedly confirm Iran has cut funding [22] to the group in retaliation for differences over Syria. (The Daily Telegraph)
COMMENTARY:
ATFP [23] issues a statement wishing Hamdallah success in meeting the PA's challenges and in performing the duties of his office. (ATFP)
Yossi Alpher [24] says Hamdallah's appointment is a typical stopgap measure by Pres. Abbas. (APN)
AFP [25] says Hamdallah may try to follow in former PM Fayyad's footsteps, but could find that very difficult. (AFP)
Ibrahim Sharqieh [26]says Hamdallah's appointment represents a new opportunity for progress, but if the US and Israel treat him as they did Fayyad, it will be squandered. (Al Arabiya)
Khaled Abu Toameh [27] says Hamdallah will probably prove merely a "yes man for Fatah." (Jerusalem Post)
Amos Harel [28] says Fayyad was the only Mideast politician truly admired by IDF officials. (Ha'aretz)
Chemi Shalev [29] says Kerry and Pres. Obama are contradicting the cliché that the US can't want peace more than the parties. (Ha'aretz)
Natan Sachs [30] says Kerry's peace efforts lack Israeli and Palestinian buy-in. (Ha'aretz)
Jonathan Cook [31] says Kerry's plan sets the Palestinians up for failure. (The National)
Akiva Eldar [32] says the Palestinian leadership is more interested in establishing borders than in Kerry's proposed $4 billion economic stimulus. (Al Monitor)
Amnon Beeri-Sulitzeanu [33] says Israel's Bedouin community is invisible when it comes to public services, but demonized as a public danger. (Ha'aretz)
Linah Alsaafin [34] says Israeli settlers are intensifying violence against Palestinians. (Al Monitor)
Akram Atallah [35] says Hamas is persisting in its aggressive efforts to "Islamize" Gaza. (Al-Ayyam)
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