Israel shuts Gaza crossings after rocket attack ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters October 21, 2008 - 8:00pm Israel temporarily closed its border crossings with the Gaza Strip Wednesday after militants from the Hamas-controlled territory fired a rocket into southern Israel. "After a rocket was fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip yesterday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak instructed the Gaza crossings to be closed starting Wednesday morning," a defense ministry official said. The official did not say how long the crossings would remain shut. Gaza militants fired the rocket Tuesday, the first in more than six weeks, causing no damage or injuries, Israeli police said. » Read more

Palestinians welcome Israeli interest in Saudi plan ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters October 21, 2008 - 8:00pm Palestinians hope Israeli calls for the revival of a Saudi peace initiative could lead to progress on a diplomatic track that has been dormant for years, their chief negotiator with Israel said Wednesday. Israeli President Shimon Peres last month called on Saudi King Abdullah to "further" a land-for-peace proposal endorsed six years ago by the Arab League, and Defense Minister Ehud Barak said last week Israelis were reconsidering the plan. » Read more

Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, near unity deal ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Telegraph by Carolynne Wheeler - October 21, 2008 - 8:00pm This new proposal, drafted by Egypt, has raised hopes of a settlement of the internal Palestinian conflict which began with Hamas's victory in the elections of 2006. A four-page plan proposes that Mahmoud Abbas, the Fatah leader, joins Hamas in a "consensus government". » Read more