NEWS:

Rami Hamdallah, a political newcomer, is sworn-in as new PA Prime Minister. (New York Times/AP/LA Times)

UNSG Ban welcomes Hamdallah's appointment. (UN)

Pres. Abbas appoints Shukri Bishara, a banker, as the new PA finance minister. (Bloomberg)

Abbas says he has received no indication from Hamas about possible elections. (Ma'an)

Israel's deputy defense minister vows this government would block any two-state solution. (Times of Israel)

Sec. Kerry will return to the Middle East next week for further peace efforts. (Reuters)

The EU says settlements are leading to Israel's further international isolation. (JTA)

Israel says it hopes to reengage with the UNHRC. (Jerusalem Post)

As fighting in Syria rages near the occupied Golan Heights, Israel considers its options. (New York Times/AP)

Israel is rushing to complete 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. (Xinhua)

The Israeli military says Palestinian militants are increasing efforts to abduct Israelis. (JTA)

Israel claims Gaza militants are building underground rocket launch tunnels. (YNet)

The UN says it plans to aid Palestinian victims of Israeli settler violence. (Ha'aretz)

Israeli forces detain two Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza. (Ma'an)

The International Labour Organization says Palestinian economic growth will remain frozen if Israeli restrictions stay in place. (PNN)

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) issues surveys on existing building and quality of industrial production in Palestine. (PNN)

Some Jewish-American groups seem lukewarm 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. (The Forward)

Gaza merchants claim a honey mixture treats erectile dysfunction, male infertility and other ailments. (Al Monitor)

Five church schools in Gaza face closure after Hamas' enforced educational gender segregation and ban on coeducational institutions. (Catholic Herald)

COMMENTARY:

Diana Atallah says Palestinians don't expect much from their new prime minister. (The Media Line)

Eric Yoffie says Jewish Americans must heed Kerry's appeal and pressure PM Netanyahu on peace. (Ha'aretz)

Ron Kampeas says new national security advisor Rice will be dealing a great deal with Israeli-related issues. (JTA)

Ilene Prusher says Israel's "Absentee Property Law" is immoral and an obstacle to peace. (Ha'aretz)

Gideon Levyand Alex Levac look at the plight of a Bethlehem man living under Israeli occupation. (Ha'aretz)

Leonard Fein 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 says Israel's experiences in Gaza since 1967 should teach it some humility. (Al Monitor)