Abbas: Israel should open all its crossings to Gaza

Israel should open all seven of its crossings to Gaza, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday, as a Lebanese women’s group said it was sending an aid ship carrying medical supplies to Gaza.

Welfare Minister Isaac Herzog said Israel was examining ending the closure in its existing form, calling the current policy counterproductive and confirming remarks by Middle East envoy Tony Blair that change was likely. (more…)

Abbas urged Hamas to endorse the reconciliation pact

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has urged Hamas to endorse a reconciliation pact drawn up with Egyptian mediation, AFP reported on Tuesday, citing the Egyptian news agency. (more…)

Obama announced $400 million aid package for Gaza,West Bank

President Barack Obama called on Wednesday for sharply limiting Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip in the wake of the botched Israeli naval raid that’s straining U.S. and Israeli relations with allies around the world.

The White House also announced a $400 million aid package for Gaza and the West Bank. (more…)

Biden publicly slams Israeli settlement plan

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden publicly scolded Israel Wednesday over a Jewish settlement plan, saying it was undermining peace efforts after Palestinians agreed to U.S.-mediated talks.

“It is incumbent on both parties to build an atmosphere of support for negotiations and not to complicate them,” Biden said in a media statement alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah. (more…)

Head of Fatah in Lebanon forced to resign

An unidentified source from the Palestinian Fatah Movement reported that Fatah official Sultan Abu al-Aynayn stepped down from his post as head of the Fatah Supervising Commission in Lebanon following the request of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

According to the source, Abbas received intelligence reports that Abu al-Aynayn was “implementing an ulterior agenda” in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, which prompted Abbas’ request. (more…)