The Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Gaza are arresting, abusing, and criminally charging journalists and activists who express peaceful criticism of the authorities. The crackdown directly violates obligations that Palestine recently assumed in ratifying international treaties protecting free speech.

“As electoral lists form in the runup to the local Palestinian elections, various political factions worry that tribal and family loyalties will trump political affiliations,” writes Adnan Abu Amer.

Quartet’s calls to halt construction in East Jerusalem and West Bank ignored by Jerusalem, peace process coordinator says.

The office of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday the Palestinians are ready to participate in any peace initiative aimed at a “comprehensive and fair solution,” following speculation of a meeting organized by Russia.

Speculation is rife that the US president will want to leave some kind of Mideast mark before leaving office.

Christian charity World Vision investigated and dismissed allegations of financial impropriety of an employee just months before Israeli authorities arrested the same person for allegedly diverting the group’s funds to Hamas’s military operations, according to the chief executive of World Vision’s international arm.

“If a society crosses a certain line in its division and hatred, then it is a real possibility to see a phenomenon like a civil war,” said former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo.

“With the Israeli occupation of the West Bank nearing its 50th year, Israel’s peace camp is pushing the idea of a referendum over its future,” writes Ben Caspit.

“All those journalists who stood at attention when Netanyahu called them in for a briefing must have forgotten that their job is to speak for the people Netanyahu will never meet; that they will not be held accountable to Netanyahu, but to their readers, viewers and listeners,” writes Yael Marom.