Fatah, Hamas pick Abbas to head new joint government

The rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas announced Monday they had agreed that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will head an interim unity government that will prepare for new elections, ending a prolonged stalemate over how to mend their bitter rift. (more…)

Palestinians in Gaza Hurl Shoes at Visiting UN Chief

Palestinians tried to block the U.N. chief from entering the Gaza Strip and flung shoes at his armored convoy on Thursday, the second day of Ban Ki-moon’s mission to the region to keep informal peace talks alive.

About 40 relatives of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails for a range of violent attacks gathered at the Erez Crossing between Gaza and Israel, hoisting posters with pictures of their loved ones and signs in English and Arabic reading, “Ban Ki-moon, enough bias to Israel.” (more…)

Palestinians take step toward reconciliation

Palestinian political rivals Hamas and Fatah have taken the first practical step toward holding general elections by opening an office for voter registration in the Gaza Strip.

Presidential and parliament elections are envisioned for late spring, though a date has not been set.

Elections are at the center of reconciliation between the Islamic militant Hamas and Fatah, the movement of internationally backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (more…)

Palestinians could launch a third Intifada, report

Palestinian officials say that they will resume their effort to gain U.N. membership, and that they could launch a nonviolent third intifada because they see no chance of reaching a peace deal with the current Israeli government.
(more…)

Ban tells Assad to end violence, tells Israel to end occupation

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on embattled President Bashar Assad Sunday to stop killing his own people and told Israel it must end its occupation of Arab and Palestinian territories.

“Today, I say again to President Bashar Assad of Syria. Stop the violence. Stop killing your people. (more…)

Israel citizenship ruling ‘racist’, report

Rights groups and parliamentarians on Thursday criticised a court ruling upholding a law that prevents Palestinians married to Arab Israelis from obtaining Israeli citizenship or residency.

“It is a dark day for the protection of human rights and for the Israeli High Court,” (more…)

Pope Urges End to Syria Bloodshed

Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in his Christmas message Sunday, an appeal for peace that was challenged by deadly attacks on Nigerian churches. (more…)

French accusations put Syria’s allies in spotlight

France says it believes Syria was behind an attack on U.N. peacekeepers in south Lebanon. While Paris has no proof, Damascus has plenty of armed supporters who might try to destabilize Lebanon to divert attention from its own turmoil.

Foreign Minister Alain Juppe blamed Syria on Sunday, singling out its powerful Lebanese ally Hezbollah which holds sway in southern Lebanon (more…)

Palestinian Hit in Face by Tear Gas Canister Dies

A Palestinian protester who was struck in the face by a tear gas canister fired by an Israeli soldier at close range died of his wounds Saturday, activists said, accusing the army of using disproportionate force. (more…)

Iran warns Hamas against leaving Syria

Iran has threatened to cut off funds and arms to Hamas if its officials vacate their Damascus headquarters and leave Syria, Palestinian sources told Haaretz.

Hamas officials involved in raising funds for the organization’s military wing and some members of the political leadership have already left Syria with their families for Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan and Qatar, the sources said. (more…)