What We're Watching
Preventing Palestine – How 40 Years of US-Led Peacemaking Have Failed the Palestinians, FMEP Event
The discussion featured Seth Anziska, the author of the forthcoming book, Preventing Palestine: A Political History from Camp David to Oslo. Respondents/discussants were two veterans of U.S. Middle East policy, with experience both in and out of government: James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute, and Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace.
Occupation/Human rights
Preventing Palestine: A Must Read History of Failed Peace-Making, LobeLog
“Seth Anziska’s Preventing Palestine: A Political History From Camp David to Oslo is a deeply insightful and profoundly disturbing book that traces the tortuous path of Middle East peace-making during the past four decades. It was quite painful to read,” writes Jim Zogby.
Israel gives Palestinians eight days to leave Khan al-Ahmar, Al Jazeera
The warning on Sunday comes just weeks after Israel’s Supreme Court rejected appeals against demolition.
Israel will withhold from Palestinian Authority stipend paid to teen who stabbed to death Ari Fuld, JTA
Israel’s Finance Minister said that Israel will deduct from the tax revenues it collects for the Palestinian Authority the amount of money that is paid to the teen who stabbed Ari Fuld to death.
Jerusalem’s 'Clean Revolution' Is Ignoring East Jerusalem, Ha'aretz
As part of a major push to change garbage collection in the city, services were privatized, sidelining municipal employees and forcing contractors to move workers from the Old City to Jewish neighborhoods.
For Palestinians, Jewish holidays mean uncertainty, closed roads and lost income, Middle East Eye
Israeli restrictions during Jewish holidays affect thousands of Palestinian workers, who lose pay when checkpoints are closed.
Palestinian politics
Egypt 'Presents New Framework' for Palestinian Reconciliation Between Hamas and Abbas, Ha'aretz
The proposal includes returning control of Gaza to Palestinian Authority though both sides doubt the talks will lead to tangible progress, according to a report in al-Hayat.
Abbas will tell UN to either save two-state solution or bury it — report, Times of Israel
In his speech to the UN General Assembly next week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will urge the international community to either save the two-state solution or take responsibility for its demise and “burial,” unnamed Palestinian sources told London-based Arabic daily Asharq Al-Awsat Friday.
Israel, Palestine & Europe
Irish FM: We’ll recognize Palestine if peace talks remain stalled, Times of Israel
Ireland became the second European country in a week to say it will recognize Palestinian statehood if peace talks with Israel do not advance.
US-Israeli/Palestinian relations
55 House Republicans urge Trump to allow ‘Israel’ on passports of Jerusalem-born, Times of Israel
Following recognition of Israel’s capital, lawmakers argue it is time for State Department to change its rules to agree with new policies.