February 26th

‘Unity, only choice for Palestinians’
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Daoud Kuttab - (Opinion) February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


For the first time since the Hamas takeover in June 2007, Palestinian national unity talks have a better chance of success than in previous times, and the Gaza situation is probably the reason. This optimistic prediction can turn out terribly wrong, but I think the time is now ripe: the parties are much more realistic in their expectations and the public disgust with both sides after Gaza might produce the needed tipping point in favour of genuine reconciliation. Both negative and positive factors appear to favour such national unity among Palestinians today.


Trade-off that ‘could be a positive development’
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
by Michael Jansen - (Opinion) February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


The Obama administration seems to be following a two-track policy on this region, starting with Syria and the Palestinians. On the declaratory track, US spokesmen and officials reiterate the timeworn mantras adopted by the Bush administration, conditioning renewal of relations on “a change in behaviour” in Damascus. Senator Benjamin Cardin, who took part in a five-member congressional delegation that visited the Syrian capital, stated, arrogantly: “We came here to see if Syria is ready to move forward and we will be watching its actions over the next weeks and months.”


Why 88 Arab homes received eviction notices
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Christian Science Monitor
by Ilene Prusher - February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Israel plans to demolish 88 homes in Silwan, a Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem, to make way for a new archaeological park, adding new fuel the slow-burning dispute over Jerusalem. A variety of neighborhood activists, Muslim leaders in Jerusalem, and even figures from the Palestinian Authority (PA) held a press conference Wednesday, saying that Israel was trying to minimize the Arab presence in this city claimed by both Palestinians and Jews as their capital. They say such a move amounts to ethnic cleansing.


Clinton dips into Arab-Israeli peacemaking
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
by Sue Pleming - February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes her first foray into Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking next week, promising more than $900 million in aid for Gaza but with dim prospects of reviving talks soon. Middle East experts say the timing could not be worse, with a new Israeli government being cobbled together after last week's election and Egyptian efforts making no headway yet in forging a Palestinian unity government.


Netanyahu aide sees new approach to Palestinian state
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
by Jeffrey Heller, Alastair MacDonald - February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Benjamin Netanyahu will move aggressively toward improving the Palestinian economy once he becomes Israel's prime minister, a senior adviser said, outlining a new approach toward the U.S.-backed peace process. The adviser, Dore Gold, told Reuters that while Netanyahu would make Iran's nuclear program his "highest priority," he would not neglect the Palestinian issue even though he envisions a state with only limited sovereign powers.


A battle worth fighting
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jordan Times
(Editorial) February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Are we seeing the return of the US as an active mediator in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Reported US displeasure with Israeli foot-dragging in allowing in humanitarian aid to Gaza certainly signals that Israel will no longer be allowed to get away with just anything. That the US will also donate $900 million for the reconstruction of this poor and much-pummelled strip of land is also a positive sign, even if Western donors were happy in the past to pour money into Palestine and then see it all be blown away by Israel to no noticeable protest.


PA to seek $2.8 billion to rebuild war-ravaged Gaza
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP)
February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


The Palestinian Authority said on Wednesday it will seek $2.8 billion to rebuild Gaza, as Israel threatened another military offensive if alleged arms smuggling into the Hamas-run enclave continues. "We have prepared a document on the basis of which donors will make their aid pledges. It foresees a total of $2.8 billion for all sectors," Palestinian Premier Salam Fayyad said at the headquarters of his Western-backed government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.


Egypt urges Palestinian reconciliation
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press
February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Egypt urged all Palestinian factions on Thursday to work on ending their internal chasm in reconciliation talks aimed at pushing rivals Hamas and Fatah to form an interim unity government. "Your people are looking forward to seeing the beginning of your unity," said Gen. Omar Sulieman, Egypt's intelligence head, in nationally televised comments Thursday. Distrust between the groups runs deep after a power struggle including Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza in 2007, leaving Fatah in charge of only the West Bank.


Fayyad asks donors to channel Gaza aid through him
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews
February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is asking donor countries to channel hundreds of millions in expected aid for Gaza "first and foremost" through his government. Fayyad's request is part of a 53-page report he presented to donors ahead of a pledging conference for Gaza next week. The report was obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. Gaza's Hamas rulers are not invited to the conference. Instead, the Palestinians will be represented by Fayyad, a US-backed moderate and Hamas rival.


Egypt to Hamas, Fatah: Reconcile for Palestinian statehood
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
February 26, 2009 - 1:00am


Egyptian intelligence head Omar Suleiman on Thursday urged rival factions Hamas and Fatah to unite in order to establish a Palestinian state. "Everyone is looking towards you ... and are hanging their hopes on you. So do not prolong the disagreement and deepen the division. Unite ranks to fulfill the hopes of all for an independent Palestinian state," said Suleiman, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's right hand-man.



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