President Obama calls for diplomatic outreach and encourages peace between Israel and its neighbors in his address to Congress (1). Mideast Envoy George Mitchell embarks on his second trip to the region (2). Americans for Peace Now reports that Israel issued a number of new land seizure orders during the Gaza war (3). Veteran Mideast negotiator Dennis Ross is appointed to be Secretary Clinton’s special advisor on Iran (4). The first female Islamic judges in the Palestinian territories are appointed in the West Bank (5). Just ahead of reconciliation talks in Cairo, thousands of Palestinians rally in Nablus in support of President Mahmoud Abbas (10). Secretary of State Clinton expresses frustration as Israel delays delivery of the United States’ pledged $900 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza (14).