Erekat in Washington: UN bid continues despite pressure ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency July 7, 2011 - 12:00am PLO official Saeb Erekat said Wednesday that Palestinians would continue the bid for the UN to recognize an independent Palestinian state, after meeting US officials in Washington DC. The former chief negotiator said the US had demanded they withdraw their appeal, Israeli news site Ynet reported. But in a press conference Erekat stressed that the resolution, planned for September, does not contradict renewing currently stalled peace negotiations with Israel. » Read more

Support flotilla, with all its faults ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Jerusalem Post by Larry Derfner - (Opinion) July 6, 2011 - 12:00am For political reasons, I wouldn’t go on the flotilla that’s trying to sail from Greece to Gaza, nor would I board the planned “air flotilla” to Ben-Gurion Airport on Friday. But for weightier political reasons, I hope the people on the boats make it to Gaza and those on the planes get through to the West Bank (even though it’s understood Israel won’t let them). As a Zionist, I don’t identify with these activists. But as a hater of the occupation, I support what they’re doing now. My heart isn’t really with them - but my head is. » Read more

In dealing with flotilla, Israel is anything but smart ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Haaretz by Amira Hass - (Opinion) July 7, 2011 - 12:00am Like an anti-Semitic caricature, Israel has extended its long tentacles around the globe in an effort to stop 10 decades-old ships from sailing to Gaza. Many Israelis interpreted this as a great victory. » Read more