NEWS:
Rami Hamdallah [1], a political newcomer [2], is sworn-in as new PA Prime Minister [3]. (New York Times/AP/LA Times)
UNSG Ban welcomes [4] Hamdallah's appointment. (UN)
Pres. Abbas appoints Shukri Bishara [5], a banker, as the new PA finance minister. (Bloomberg)
Abbas says he has received no indication from Hamas [6] about possible elections. (Ma'an)
Israel's deputy defense minister vows this government would block any two-state solution [7]. (Times of Israel)
Sec. Kerry will return [8] to the Middle East next week for further peace efforts. (Reuters)
The EU says settlements [9] are leading to Israel's further international isolation. (JTA)
Israel says it hopes to reengage with the UNHRC [10]. (Jerusalem Post)
As fighting in Syria rages [11] near the occupied Golan Heights, Israel considers its options [12]. (New York Times/AP)
Israel is rushing to complete [13] its latest large barrier, this time along the lines between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights. (Washington Post)
Israel establishes a military unit to document IDF activities [14]. (Xinhua)
The Israeli military says Palestinian militants are increasing efforts to abduct Israelis [15]. (JTA)
Israel claims Gaza militants are building underground rocket launch tunnels [16]. (YNet)
The UN says it plans to aid Palestinian victims of Israeli settler violence [17]. (Ha'aretz)
Israeli forces detain two Palestinian fishermen [18] off the coast of Gaza. (Ma'an)
The International Labour Organization says Palestinian economic growth will remain frozen [19] if Israeli restrictions stay in place. (PNN)
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) issues surveys on existing building [20] and quality of industrial production [21] in Palestine. (PNN)
Some Jewish-American groups seem lukewarm [22] on Pres. Obama's appointment of Samantha Power as UN ambassador, but are not as hostile as some predicted. (Jerusalem Post)
Power wins key Jewish-American support [23]. (The Forward)
Gaza merchants claim a honey mixture [24] treats erectile dysfunction, male infertility and other ailments. (Al Monitor)
Five church schools in Gaza face closure [25] after Hamas' enforced educational gender segregation and ban on coeducational institutions. (Catholic Herald)
COMMENTARY:
Diana Atallah [26] says Palestinians don't expect much from their new prime minister. (The Media Line)
Eric Yoffie [27] says Jewish Americans must heed Kerry's appeal and pressure PM Netanyahu on peace. (Ha'aretz)
Ron Kampeas [28] says new national security advisor Rice will be dealing a great deal with Israeli-related issues. (JTA)
Ilene Prusher [29] says Israel's "Absentee Property Law" is immoral and an obstacle to peace. (Ha'aretz)
Gideon Levyand Alex Levac [30] look at the plight of a Bethlehem man living under Israeli occupation. (Ha'aretz)
Leonard Fein [31] says it's good that UN ambassador nominee Power has been a strong human rights advocate, even if that makes some supporters of Israel nervous. (The Forward)
Shlomi Eldar [32] says Israel's experiences in Gaza since 1967 should teach it some humility. (Al Monitor)
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