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The article discusses the appointment of Muhammad Mustafa as Palestine's new prime minister, highlighting doubts about his ability to bring significant change and unite Palestinian factions, especially in light of the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Reports that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to meet in Egypt to discuss peace negotiations. Interest in bringing stability to the Gaza Strip; Security management; Fight against terrorism.

Reports that senior Israeli and Palestinian aides have resumed public meetings on January 25, 2005. Israel's agreement to suspend the pinpoint killings of Palestinian militants; Reflection of the meeting on the improvement of relations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas; Abbas' willingness to act to stop attacks on Israel and Israeli civilians.

Reports on Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz's claim that his country is prepared to hand security responsibility for the Gaza Strip and the main population centers of the West Bank to an elected Palestinian leadership as soon as it is able to handle the task. Breaking of the cycle of terrorist activity and the dismantling of terrorist groups as the demands made by Israel on Palestine in exchange for relinquishing control of the Gaza Strip; Implication of Mofaz's proclamation on the Palestine-Israel relations.

Reports on the demands made by Palestine militant groups on Fatah movement presidential candidate, Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas' message to radical Islamic groups that their war against Israel has been counterproductive and should be stopped; Challenges that will be faced by Abbas should he win the presidential election; Career history of Abbas.

Focuses on the radical strategy of Hamas in Palestine. Election for president of the Palestinian Authority; Politics in Palestine.

Reports on candidate for the Palestinian presidency, Mahmoud Abbas' campaign in the Jenin refugee camp in Israel. Support for Abbas given by Zakariya Zubeidi a leader of Al Aksa Martyrs Brigades; Zubeidi's reasons for supporting Abbas over Marwan Barghouti; Campaign agenda of Abbas.

Reports on political developments in Palestine in December 2004 focusing on the implications of the elections for the peace process and quality of life in the country. Problems in Palestinian's access to water, land and livelihoods influenced by the presence of the Israeli electrified fence through the West Bank; Conflicts over the presence of the barrier which separates Jewish settlements from Palestinian villages; Controversies pertaining to the acquisition of acres of land from Palestinians; Indications of political relations.

Reports that the U.S. government is advocating elections in Palestine to consolidate the weak authority possessed by the political successor of Yasir Arafat. Hindrances to free and fair elections of all Palestinians; Concern of the Palestinians over the political stability and a challenge from young militants and those sworn to Israel's destruction like the Hamas.

Reports that Palestinian factions will not agree to any cease-fire as long as Israeli forces remain in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Expectation that prime minister Ahmed Qurei and Palestinian Liberation Organization Mahmoud Abbas may try to pursue a truce; Suggestion that moderate Palestinians are hoping that the armed militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad will take part in the presidential elections following the death of Yasir Arafat.

Reports on the conflict between Suha, the wife of Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat and the leader's political heirs. Allegations that Suha has kept the real status of Arafat's health from the public and from his political advisers; Suha's claim that Arafat's political heirs are trying to take over the comatose leader even before his death.

Reports on Palestine Liberation Organization deputy Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei's plan to travel to France to assess Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat's health status. Speculations on Arafat's condition; Abbas and Qurei's possible roles in the event of Arafat's death.

Reports on the political implication of the critical condition of President Yasir Arafat on Palestine. Palestinian politicians' effort to prevent a visible vacuum of power caused by the absence of Arafat; International political personalities expected to attend the burial of Arafat should the leader fail to come through his condition; Impact of Arafat's condition on the country's relations with Israel.

Reports that Israeli forces continued a major operation in Gaza on September 9, 2004 with tanks and armored vehicles to suppress rocket fire into Israel, and in the process killed seven Palestinians.

Reports on the problems surrounding Israel President Ariel Sharon's plan for a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Challenges in Sharon's efforts to remove Israeli settlers and military from Gaza; Objectives of Sharon's unilateral withdrawal plan; Absence of Palestine participation.

Reports that Palestinian Ammar Hasan will compete in Lebanon against a Libyan in the finals of “Super Star 2,” a televised contest to be named the Arab world's finest singer. Yasir Arafat's show of support for Hasan; Production of the show by Lebanese satellite station Al Mustaqbal; Palestinian mobile telephone company, Jawaal's offering of discount on text messages to enable people to vote for Hasan.

Reports on the condition of Mahdi Abu Snaineh, the six-year-old Palestinian boy who got hit by shrapnel from a bomb set up by a Palestinian to stop Israeli police officers moving in at Haifa. Effect of the shrapnel bomb on the boy; Financial problems faced by the Snaineh's family; Other members of the boy's family hit by the bomb.

Reports on the dissension faced by Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon and Palestine Prime Minister Yasir Arafat, from their constituencies. Policy proposal of Sharon opposed by his political party, Likud; Arafat's claim that the Palestinian Authority has made mistakes with regards to political change within the country.

Reports that Palestinian President Yasir Arafat has survived the challenge to his authority from a younger generation of frustrated politicians, outmaneuvering Muhammad Dahlan, a member of Arafat's Fatah movement. Criticism of the competence of his administration from Palestinians; Accusations against Arafat; Main reason for the failure of Palestinian security forces; Call for the resignation of the government and elections.

The article focuses on young Palestinians who grow up surrounded by violence and, the article suggests, bereft of hope. Several young Palestinians are profiled, and their comments are included on issues including identifying with Fatah or Hamas groups, attempts at a meaningful life despite Israeli occupation, and the difficulty of leaving Palestine.

The article reports on the violence and rallies in Palestine after violent death of 12 young people by Israeli forces in suspected a attacks on Israel. It informs about the death of several young people including Raed Jaradat, Dania Ersheid and Iyad Jaradat. It also highlights the comments of Hebron, West Bank's mayor Daoud al-Zaatari for the same.

The article analyzes the policy options for the U.S. and Israel after a week of conflict has essentially split Palestine into separate entities, the Gaza Strip controlled by Hamas, and the West Bank, controlled by Fatah. Both countries have decided to aid Fatah, and put pressure on Hamas. This poses the risk that any Palestinian government seen as supported by Israel and the U.S. will be rejected by the Palestinian people and by other Arab nations.

The article reports that the political system of Palestine has approached a total collapse. Armed forces of the Hamas organization have seized effective control of the Gaza Strip from its rival political group Fatah. President Mahmoud Abbas, a Fatah member, reacted by dissolving the unity government of the two groups agreed to in March, 2007, a move Hamas dismissed as illegal. The U.S. and Israel reacted with dismay. Some Palestinians foresee Palestine splitting into two entities.

The article reports that the armed forces of the Palestinian political group Hamas have established control over most of the Gaza Strip, defeating the forces of their rival Fatah. Fatah retains control of most of the West Bank territory. The action has effectively split Palestine into two parts. The unity government of President Mahmoud Abbas, Israel, and the United States all face difficult problems as a result, and the options of all three parties appear both limited and unpleasant.

The article reports that armed conflict between the Palestinian political groups Hamas and Fatah has escalated to what appears to be a civil war. Hamas fighters attacked a number of Fatah posts in the northern Gaza Strip, and the two forces exchanged attacks on the homes and offices of their respective leaders. The joint unity government of the Palestinian Authority the parties agreed to in March, 2007 after Saudi mediation appears on the verge of total collapse.

The article focuses on the emergence of Islamic fundamentalist militias in the Gaza Strip in Palestine. The breakdown of the Palestinian Authority and the armed clashes between the political groups Fatah and Hamas have led young men to seek more radical means of action. The groups use vigilante methods to enforce Islamic doctrine. Whereas Hamas has attacked only Israeli targets, the new militias have committed acts of terror against Westerners in general.

The article reports that continuing armed conflict between the Palestinian political groups Fatah and Hamas have escalated to involve the Israeli military. Israel carried out helicopter attacks in Gaza on Hamas targets in retaliation for rocket attacks on Israel. The effectiveness of Israel's attacks is questioned. Hamas and Fatah traded accusations as to who was to blame for the internal conflict. Gaza residents express anger and despair.

This article reports on an announcement from senior officials within Israel that Hamas, the prominent faction of the Palestinian government, is undergoing a military buildup in the Gaza strip, a concentration of force that includes smuggled ground-to-air missiles and military explosives. An overview of recent building tensions between the Palestinians and Israel is discussed. There is a growing concern about how Israel will counter the military buildup.

The article discusses statements made by Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in March 2007 about the plight of Palestinian refugees from the 1948 war. Olmert refused to consider accepting the refugees back into the country or allowing them rights to properties they abandoned. The Arab League has sued Israel for peace and made the repatriation of the refugees part of their offer.

The article discusses a rise in financial aid to Palestinians in 2006 despite an international embargo on aid to the Palestinian authority since Hamas came into power. Despite the boycott, which the U. S. and the European Union led, they together they gave more aid to Palestinians in 2006 than in 2005. The funds have largely gone directly to individuals, fending off starvation while creating dependence as institutions wither.

The article reports on Israel's December 26, 2006 announcement of a new settlement to be made on the West Bank--the first in ten years. The decision seems to run counter to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's actions to help ease tensions with Palestine. Officials in Israel claim that the site was a previous settlement that was converted to military use, and it is simply being returned to its former use.

The author reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reached a tentative agreement with the Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas, which aims to form a national unity government. According to the author, the deal is an attempt to end the Palestinians' international isolation and cutoff in Western assistance to their government. Excerpts from comments made by Abbas are included. Details related to the agreement are reviewed.

This article reports on battles between Israeli and Palestinian troops in the Gaza Strip on July 6, 2006. The battles were said to be the most deadly since Israel re-entered the Gaza Strip a week prior. An estimated twenty-one Palestinian troops were killed in the day's fighting, and one Israeli soldier was killed as well.

This article discusses attacks by the Israeli army against Palestinian targets in Gaza on July 2, 2006. The attacks were in response to the capture of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian forces a week before, and were ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Olmert however also allowed two border crossings to Gaza, allowing fuel and food into the area.

This article discusses the seizure of sixty-four members of the Palestinian Hamas party by Israeli troops in June of 2006. The seizures are viewed as a warning to Hamas to release a captured Israeli soldier, as well as a sign of a new approach to Hamas by the Israeli government. Israeli officials argue that they are simply retaliating to terrorist activity by Hamas.

The article reports that Israel threatened strong military action against Palestinians, after militants in Gaza emerged from a 300 yard tunnel into Israel and killed two Israeli soldiers, wounded three more and kidnaped another. Two of the Palestinians, which included members of Hamas, were killed, but the rest escaped into Gaza with the kidnaped soldier. Israeli tanks moved into Gaza for the first time since Israel withdrew last summer (2005).

The author reports that Palestinian security personnel went on a rampage in West Bank town of Ramallah. According to the author, groups loyal to Mahmoud Abbas attacked the parliament and cabinet buildings controlled by rivals of the Hamas-led government. Details related to the growing violence between Palestinian factions are reviewed.

The article reports that Hamas, a political group which runs the Palestinian Authority, is planning to begin attacking Israel once again. Hamas will stop abiding by a cease-fire agreement in order to respond to the deaths of Palestinian civilians who were killed on a Gaza beach by an errant Israeli artillery shell on June 9, 2006. A description of the recent violence between Palestine and Israel is provided.

The article looks at the lack of medical supplies and health problems for people in the Gaza Strip due to the border closing of the Karni crossing point with Israel and foreign aid cutoffs. According to Ibrahim al-Habbash, the general director of the main Gaza hospital, Al Shifa, the hospital has limited supplies of crucial surgical drugs and can no longer provide chemotherapy for many types of cancer.

The article reports that violence flared in the West Bank and Gaza after Israeli troops stormed a Palestinian prison, seizing six Palestinian inmates. They had been held for four years in an arrangement involving the U.S. and Britain. After the raid began, Palestinian militants kidnapped nine foreigners, though most were released unharmed. The prison raid illustrates the rising mistrust between militant Palestinian group Hamas and Israeli authorities. It coincides with a time of political tensions, as Hamas attempts to form a cabinet and Israel heads for national elections. INSET: Attack and Retaliation.

The article reports that Israel's cabinet has frozen the transfer of money in tax and customs receipts due to the Palestinian Authority. Israel argues that the swearing in of a legislature dominated by Hamas means that the Palestinians are now being led by the militant group. The cabinet's move, led by acting prime minister Ehud Olmert, has put it at odds with its ally the U.S., as well as the European Union, Russia and the United Nations, which have promoted peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians.

This article reports on a new parliament dominated by the militant group Hamas being installed in Palestine on February 18, 2006. President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas lawmakers have discussed the need to honor existing agreements with Israel and to conduct negotiations with it to achieve Palestinian statehood.

The article focuses on Khaled Meshal, exiled political head of radical Islamic group Hamas, who said the group would adopt a realistic approach toward governing the Palestinian Authority. Hamas intends to work with Mahmoud Abbas, the Fatah president, on a political program. Defending attacks on Israeli civilians, Meshal also said Hamas would not bow to pressure to recognize Israel. The news conference with Meshal highlights the mixed messages coming from Hamas. A debate has arisen over whether Hamas will be able to modify its positions, disavow violence and recognize the state of Israel.

The article reports that the radical Islamic party Hamas scored an overwhelming victory in the Palestinian legislative elections, taking 76 out of 132 seats and deposing the former governing Fatah party, which won only 43 seats. The author reviews how the results of the election give Hamas the right to form the next government. The Hamas victory in the election 40 years of domination by Fatah, which founded by Yasir Arafat. According to the author, Fatah has been viewed by many Palestinians as corrupt and ineffective.

The article reports that Hamas, the militant Islamic party sworn to the destruction of Israel, won a large share of votes in the first Palestinian legislative elections in a decade. A Hamas victory in the election will deprive the more secular Fatah party of its longstanding monopoly on power. The author reviews how early surveys showed that Fatah with a slim lead. According to the author acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that his country could not accept a situation in which Hamas would be part of the Palestinian Authority.

The article discusses the upcoming legislative elections in Palestinian. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, has decided to end the monopoly of his Fatah faction, brining radical Islamic group Hamas into national politics. Palestinian voters will choose the Palestinian Authority parliament in the first elections in a decade. Fatah, the secular nationalist movement that has dominated Palestinian politics for decades, is slightly favored over Hamas. Polls suggest that no party may win a majority, possibly leading to a coalition government. INSET: Palestinian Elections.

Focuses on the first independent survey of the Palestinian security environment since the death of Yasir Arafat, which says the security forces of the Palestinian Authority are divided, weak, overstaffed, badly motivated and underarmed. Suggestion that more attention be paid to building up institutions rather than personalities; How the survey was prepared in coordination with Lieutenant General William E. Ward, the U.S.-appointed coordinator of the effort to overhaul Palestinian security and the Palestinian Authority; Intent to analyze deficiencies of Palestinian security forces while suggesting a long-term program of improvement; Effort to plan Palestinian security cooperation with Israel before, during and after the Israeli pullout of its settlers from the Gaza Strip; Risks to a successful Israeli disengagement; Overview of the report.

Interviews Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas who claim that the war with the Israelis is effectively over. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's commitment to withdraw from Gaza and dismantle all Israeli settlements in the West Bank; Abbas' discussion of his success in persuading the radical groups, Hamas and Islamic Jihad to respect the mutual declaration of truce; Dismissal of several senior police and security officials in Gaza.