NEWS:

New PA PM Hamdallah is primarily known for expanding the University he headed, and for his career as a scholar . (Bloomberg/New York Times/WAFA)

His new government faces many challenges, and he is widely seen as a caretaker figure. (Xinhua/BBC/Washington Post)

Many experts wonder if Hamdallah can really fill the shoes left by former PM Fayyad. (Christian Science Monitor/Wall Street Journal/The Media Line)

Hamdallah says he will prioritize Palestinian reconciliation, but many Palestinians see little hope of that and express disappointment, apathy and skepticism. (Al Arabiya/Gulf News/Ha'aretz)

In remarks to the American Jewish Committee, Sec. Kerry says the coming days will be crucial 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" for them. (Ma'an)

Kerry may soon return 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. (Jerusalem Post)

Israeli occupation forces say they have foiled a "terror plot" by Hamas, and arrested eight Palestinians, in the occupied West Bank. (Xinhua/Ma'an)

The PA arrests a Bethlehem journalist on charges of spreading sectarian hatred and false information. (Ma'an)

A US government website publicizes classified information 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 to the group in retaliation for differences over Syria. (The Daily Telegraph)

COMMENTARY:

ATFP issues a statement wishing Hamdallah success in meeting the PA's challenges and in performing the duties of his office. (ATFP)

Yossi Alpher says Hamdallah's appointment is a typical stopgap measure by Pres. Abbas. (APN)

AFP says Hamdallah may try to follow in  former PM Fayyad's footsteps, but could find that very difficult. (AFP)

Ibrahim Sharqiehsays 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 says Hamdallah will probably prove merely a "yes man for Fatah." (Jerusalem Post)

Amos Harel says Fayyad was the only Mideast politician truly admired by IDF officials. (Ha'aretz)

Chemi Shalev says Kerry and Pres. Obama are contradicting the cliché that the US can't want peace more than the parties. (Ha'aretz)

Natan Sachs says Kerry's peace efforts lack Israeli and Palestinian buy-in. (Ha'aretz)

Jonathan Cook says Kerry's plan sets the Palestinians up for failure. (The National)

Akiva Eldar says the Palestinian leadership is more interested in establishing borders than in Kerry's proposed $4 billion economic stimulus. (Al Monitor)

Amnon Beeri-Sulitzeanu says Israel's Bedouin community is invisible when it comes to public services, but demonized as a public danger. (Ha'aretz)

Linah Alsaafin says Israeli settlers are intensifying violence against Palestinians. (Al Monitor)

Akram Atallah says Hamas is persisting in its aggressive efforts to "Islamize" Gaza. (Al-Ayyam)