ATFP News Roundup May 22, 2014 | The American Task Force on Palestine

Daily News Issue Date:

May 22, 2014

News:

News:

The US says its up to the Israelis and Palestinian to “pick up” peace talks. (Times of Israel/Jerusalem Post)

US Special Envoy Indyk will reportedly leave office. (Ma’an)

UNRWA releases an infographic on refugee fatalities and injuries at the hands of Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank in 2013. (UNRWA)

PM Netanyahu reportedly threatened to fire Chief Negotiator Livni over her meeting with Pres. Abbas. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel)

Pope Francis is seeking balance in his visit to the “Holy Land.” (New York Times/Ha’aretz)

Hamas and Fatah will reportedly agree that PM Hamdallah will stay in office in a new Palestinian government. (Xinhua/AFP)

The EU bans poultry imports from Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. (Times of Israel)

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Steinitz says the Jordan Valley is crucial to Israel’s survival. (Jerusalem Post)

Meretz party leader Gal-on says Marwan Barghouti is the only possible successor to Abbas. (Times of Israel)

The World Bank approves a $40 million grant to the PA. (Ma’an)

Former Fatah official Dahlan says he will run in a future election. (Ma’an/AFP)

A survey indicates that Jewish Americans want more religious pluralism in Israel. (JTA)

The family of slain activist Rachel Corrie appeals their civil suit to the Israeli Supreme Court. (Xinhua/Times of Israel/AP)

Tunisia grants 30-day visas to Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria. (Ma’an)

Residents of Damascus fear Pres. Assad’s election will provoke a rebel onslaught. (Reuters)

Syrian government forces break a prison siege in Aleppo. (Reuters/AP)

The Nusra Front reaches the foothills of the occupied Golan Heights. (Reuters)

A UNSC vote that would refer Syria to the ICC will likely face a Russian veto. (AP/New York Times)

King Abdullah of Jordan and Pres. Obama discuss the impact of the Syria crisis. (Jordan Times)

The Muslim Brotherhood urges Egyptians to boycott the presidential election. (AP)

Gen. Haftar calls on Libyan top judicial authorities to form a new presidential council. (AP/Washington Post)

Commentary:

Dennis Ross says the Obama administration should declare that it is not walking away from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.(New York Times)

Ha’aretz say Israeli government efforts to evict the Palestinian population of Area C is a violation of international law. (Ha’aretz)

Akiva Eldar says Israel is pushing the occupied West Bank toward an economic disaster. (Al-Monitor)

Gershon Baskin says Palestinians are fighting for exactly what Jews fought for:“freedom, independence and identity.”(Jerusalem Post)

George Hishmeh says Israeli extremists could disrupt Pope Francis’ visit to the “Holy Land.” (Gulf News)

Mohammed Othman says Salafists in Gaza expect pressure from the new Palestinian government. (Al-Monitor)

Shlomo Avineri says proposed “Jewish state” legislation in Israel will only hurt Netanyahu. (Ha’aretz)

Abdul Rahman Al Rashed says Russian protection will not save Assad. (Al Arabiya)

Anthony Elghossain says Hezbollah is terrified of a debate. (Now)

Joyce Karam says Lebanon is spiraling into an “ominous” presidential void. (Al Arabiya)

Michael Young says Gen. Aoun is still “eyeing” the Lebanese presidency. (The National)

Danya Greenfield and Adam Simpson say drone strikes in Yemen are not achieving US security goals. (The National)

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