Israel: Autopsy of Detainee Shows Signs of ‘Resuscitation Attempts’
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Isabel Kershner - February 28, 2013 - 1:00am


The Health Ministry said Thursday that tests showed that the hemorrhages and fractured ribs found during the autopsy of a Palestinian prisoner who died in Israeli detention last weekend were “characteristic of the resuscitation attempts that were performed on the deceased,” efforts that lasted for 50 minutes.


Why the Middle East Needs America
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The New York Times
by Allen Weiner - (Opinion) February 28, 2013 - 1:00am


Over the years, the contention that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict be solved only through “direct talks” has become almost a mantra, especially from the Israeli government and its allies. But direct talks between implacable foes, without active mediation, may be the worst possible way to try to settle the conflict. Facing one’s adversary directly across the table heightens psychological barriers even to a mutually beneficial deal.


Netanyahu urges "military sanctions" threat against Iran
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
February 28, 2013 - 1:00am


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the international community on Wednesday to threaten Iran with "military sanctions", saying economic measures are failing to curb Tehran's nuclear drive. "I believe it is incumbent upon the international community to intensify the sanctions and clarify that if Iran continues its programme, there will be military sanctions," Netanyahu said. He did not, in a statement released by the prime minister's office, specify what military measures he envisages.


Egypt-Gaza tunnels must be destroyed, Cairo court rules
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters
February 27, 2013 - 1:00am


A Cairo court ruled on Tuesday that the government must destroy all tunnels between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, removing a route for smuggled weapons and other goods. President Mohammed Morsi’s national security adviser Essam Haddad has said Egypt will not tolerate the two-way flow of smuggled arms through the tunnels that is destabilizing the Sinai Peninsula.


Israel returns 6 wounded to Syria after treatment
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Associated Press
February 27, 2013 - 1:00am


The Israeli military says six wounded Syrians have been returned to their country after receiving medical treatment in Israel.


Palestinians welcome EU report urging sanctions on Jewish settlements
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Xinhua
February 27, 2013 - 1:00am


The Palestinian National Authority welcomed Wednesday an European Union (EU) report which recommended sanctions on Jewish settlement constructions in Israel ' s occupied land.


European Union Consuls Call for Economic Sanctions against Israel
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Media Line
by Linda Gradstein - February 27, 2013 - 1:00am


A non-binding report by the European Union’s (EU) consuls general in East Jerusalem and Ramallah harshly criticizes Israel for undermining the possibility of an independent Palestinian state by expanding what it calls “settlement” construction. It calls Israel’s policy “systematic, deliberate and provocative” and calls for stepped-up European sanctions.


Abbas says Israel wants chaos
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ma'an News Agency
February 26, 2013 - 1:00am


President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that Israel was seeking chaos as Israeli forces clashed with protesters across the West Bank for the second day. "The Israelis want chaos ... We will not allow them to drag us into it and to mess with the lives of our children and our youth," Abbas told reporters in his office in Ramallah. The death of 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat in Israeli custody on Saturday has sparked mass protests across the West Bank and Gaza. An autopsy revealed Jaradat died of extreme torture, Palestinian officials said Sunday.


Court throws out case calling for end of Israel-Egypt treaty
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Al-Masry Al-Youm
by Ahmad Abou Darah - February 26, 2013 - 1:00am


The Cairo Administrative Court ruled Tuesday that it has no jurisdiction over a lawsuit demanding the cancellation of the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel. The court said the issue involves state sovereignty, which is under the president’s purview. The plaintiffs said Egypt should void its peace deal over ongoing destruction of Islamic holy sites and the country’s refusal to stop settlement building in Palestinian territories, which they said is a violation of United Nations conventions and treaty itself.


Rubio Needs A Lesson In Peace Process History
ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Daily Beast
by Brent Sasley - (Opinion) February 25, 2013 - 1:00am


In ritualistic fashion, Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel included a defense of Israeli policy toward the peace process. Explaining how things work, he proclaimed that “The greatest advancements in this process have always been made when Israel felt secure. There is a direct relationship between Israel’s security and the ability to make concessions and move forward.”



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