NEWS: The attack on Egyptian forces in the Sinai Peninsula tests Egypt's new government and its relations with Israel. The attack appears to lessen chances Hamas can get Egypt to change its Gaza crossing border policies, as Gaza is more or less closed to the outside world. Pres. Abbas expresses Palestinian solidarity with Egypt in the fight against terrorism. Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood posts an article on its website saying Israel may be responsible for the attack. Tribal leaders in the Peninsula say they warned Egyptian officials about extremist activity. PM Fayyad says Palestinians should hold parliamentary elections as soon as possible without waiting for a reconciliation between the PA and Hamas. Environmental concerns shadow Israel's offshore oil drilling. Tel Aviv's city council rejects the inclusion of Arabic in its logo. Water in Gaza is increasingly polluted and expensive. Palestinian refugees in Syria are seeking help from Lebanon. COMMENTARY: Hussein Ibish says Egypt's new president has little choice but to continue with traditional foreign policy approaches towards the Sinai Peninsula and Israel. Ofer Aderet recalls the hanging of 2 British soldiers by Jewish extremists in Palestine during the mandatory period. Edgar Bronfman says Pres. Obama has not talked about supporting Israel, but simply done it. The Jerusalem Post says it's time for Egypt and Israel to combat a common enemy, terrorism. Gershon Baskin says Israel must relieve itself of the shadow of apartheid present in the occupation. Peter Joseph and David Halperin say both Israel and the Palestinians need a two-state solution. Gilad Kariv says Israel must accommodate Arabic. Richard Cohen says there is an important cultural difference between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

American Task Force on Palestine - 1634 Eye St. NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20006 - Telephone: 202-262-0017