February 24th

Hamas growing stronger, without firing a shot ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters by Crispian Balmer - (Editorial) February 23, 2011 - 1:00am Hamas is having a good revolution. The unrest that has transformed the Arab world outside the tiny coastal enclave has boosted the standing of the Islamist group within Gaza and strengthened its position against the rival Palestinian Authority, which holds sway in the West Bank. Hamas greeted the downfall of Egyptian former President Hosni Mubarak with euphoria, sensing that his departure would weaken Israel's stranglehold on the impoverished territory that has crippled its economy and confined its inhabitants. » Read more

Prominent Italian author lashes out at Israel boycott proponents ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Maya Sela - February 24, 2011 - 1:00am Celebrated Italian novelist Umberto Eco yesterday challenged those who advocate cultural boycotts and said that censuring artists because of actions committed by their governments was akin to racism. Last week, British writers called on prominent British novelist Ian McEwan to reject an Israeli literary prize in protest at Israel's treatment of the Palestinians. » Read more

Israel to let 300 Palestinians in Libya into WBank ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters by Ori Lewis - February 23, 2011 - 1:00am Israel will allow 300 Palestinians living and working in Libya to enter the West Bank in the coming days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday. "Because of the current violence in Libya I received a personal request from (Palestinian) President (Mahmoud) Abbas ... that Israel allow a number of Palestinians to leave Libya and to enter the Palestinian territories ... so Israel will enable 300 Palestinians to enter the Palestinian areas," Netanyahu said. » Read more

Hamas to exchange terror for unity? ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Elior Levy - February 24, 2011 - 1:00am Palestinian sources told the London-based al-Hayat Thursday that a plan by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to create a unity government with both rival Palestinian factions had already been approved by Fatah, and was currently awaiting the approval of Hamas. According to the plan, both factions will keep their respective authorities in the West Bank and Gaza, including security forces. » Read more

Rocket from Gaza Strip strikes Israeli city ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters by Ori Lewis - February 23, 2011 - 1:00am A rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed in a residential street in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba on Wednesday, causing serious damage to houses and cars but no casualties, the city's mayor said. "One rocket fell, there are no casualties and security forces are in control of the situation," Beersheba mayor Rubik Danilovich told Channel 1 television. Earlier reports said the rocket had struck a house. Residents said they sought shelter in secure rooms after air raid sirens sounded in the area. » Read more

4 Jewish teens suspected of killing Arab ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Yair Altman - February 23, 2011 - 1:00am Police reported Wednesday that it has completed its investigation of the stabbing incident that occurred two weeks ago in Jerusalem, during which 24-year-old Hussam Rawidi was killed. Four Jewish teenagers were arrested in connection to the incident, but only one is suspected of stabbing Rawidi, a resident of the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Semiramis. The inquiry revealed that the perpetrator used a razor, and not a knife. Police will recommend he be tried for manslaughter and not murder as the stabbing was preceded by a scuffle. » Read more

Fayyad tours Ramallah refugee camps ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency February 24, 2011 - 1:00am Salam Fayyad continued Tuesday his consultations to form a new government; meeting with representatives of the refugee camp popular committees and representatives of the private sector. Fayyad affirmed in a statement that the PA exerts tremendous efforts to develop the services and standard of living of the residents in the camps in a manner that meets with their natural right in a dignified life without exempting UNRWA from its political and legal responsibilities to care for the Palestinian refugees. » Read more

'Fatah-Hamas unity gov't will be led by Salam Fayyad' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post February 24, 2011 - 1:00am Palestinian sources familiar with the details of a unity government deal being discussed by Hamas and Fatah representatives, said that the proposed government would be headed by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and will include members from both factions and independents, Al-Hayat reported Thursday. According to the report, the sources say that the plan has already been accepted by PA President Mahmoud Abbas and a number of Hamas leaders. The unity deal allows Hamas to continue ruling in the Gaza Strip as long as it refrains from violence. » Read more

'Fatah-Hamas unity gov't will be led by Salam Fayyad' ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post February 24, 2011 - 1:00am Palestinian sources familiar with the details of a unity government deal being discussed by Hamas and Fatah representatives, said that the proposed government would be headed by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and will include members from both factions and independents, Al-Hayat reported Thursday. According to the report, the sources say that the plan has already been accepted by PA President Mahmoud Abbas and a number of Hamas leaders. The unity deal allows Hamas to continue ruling in the Gaza Strip as long as it refrains from violence. » Read more

Israeli strikes hit Gaza overnight ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency February 24, 2011 - 1:00am Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on multiple locations in the Gaza Strip overnight, injuring two in the first round of bombings near Gaza City shortly after 11 p.m. Injuries were reported in the first strike, which hit the Az-Zaytoun neighborhood east of Gaza City, while the Abu Jarad neighborhood to the south was pummeled with four strikes. Local officials called the series of strikes an "escalation," saying that Israeli forces have operated with increased aggression since an attack on a patrol which entered Gaza Wednesday morning, in the same area the second strike hit. » Read more