Hamas Cabinet convenes last session before Palestinian Authority takeover

Hamas Cabinet convenes last session before Palestinian Authority takeover

Special to WorldTribune.com GAZA CITY — Hamas said it conducted its last Cabinet meeting before an expected Palestinian Authority takeover of the Gaza Strip. A Hamas statement said the Cabinet convened on May 27 for what was termed its last session. The Cabinet said it was awaiting orders to relay authority to a PA unity […]

The Peace Prize that got away: Primer on Mideast reality for Washington eggheads

The Peace Prize that got away: Primer on Mideast reality for Washington eggheads

Special to WorldTribune.com Not only are they ignorant of themselves, they cannot avoid falling into a ditch or stumbling over a rock in the path (perhaps they are bleary-eyed from studying or just absent-minded); yet they claim to know about abstract ideas, universals, separate forms, primary matter, quiddities, and different modes of being — objects […]

U.S. faults both sides, admits failure of Kerry’s shuttle diplomacy

U.S. faults both sides, admits failure of Kerry’s shuttle diplomacy

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — U.S. special envoy Martin Indyk has acknowledged the failure of a nine-month U.S. effort led by Secretary of State John Kerry to achieve an Israeli-PA agreement. He said both sides missed opportunities and refused to make “gut-wrenching compromises.” “It is easier for the Palestinians to sign conventions and appeal to […]

Hamas won’t unite with Palestinian forces in Gaza

Hamas won’t unite with Palestinian forces in Gaza

Special to WorldTribune.com GAZA CITY — Hamas intends to remain apart from Palestinian Authority security forces. Palestinian sources said Hamas has rejected the prospect that it would coordinate security operations with the PA. The sources said any deployment of PA forces in the Gaza Strip would come under Hamas control. “One of the challenges facing […]

Hamas allows Palestinian Authority police in Gaza

Hamas allows Palestinian Authority police in Gaza

Special to WorldTribune.com GAZA CITY — Hamas has approved the deployment of 3,000 Palestinian Authority troops in the Gaza Strip. Hamas said 3,000 PA police officers would arrive in the Gaza Strip as part of a reconciliation agreement with the Fatah movement. In a statement, Hamas said it would coordinate with the PA for the […]

Abbas threatens to bail on the Palestinian Authority

Abbas threatens to bail on the Palestinian Authority

Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — The Palestinian Authority could decide to disband the regime in the West Bank. Officials said the PA leadership has been under pressure to end governing the Palestinian areas of the West Bank. The officials said elements within the Palestine Liberation Organization argued that such a move would force international intervention […]

Ex-security chief Dahlan launches bid to replace Palestinian Authority’s Abbas

Ex-security chief Dahlan launches bid to replace Palestinian Authority’s Abbas

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — A former Gaza Strip security commander plans to replace Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Former PA security commander Mohammed Dahlan, expelled from the West Bank in 2011, intends to run in any presidential race. Dahlan’s wife, Jalila, said her husband was developing relations with Palestinian movements, including Hamas, as well […]

Palestinian intel chief plays key role in negotiations with U.S.

Palestinian intel chief plays key role in negotiations with U.S.

Special to WorldTribune.com RAMALLAH — A intelligence chief has been playing a key role in Palestinian Authority talks with the United States. Palestinian sources said PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has made Majid Faraj a key adviser and member of the Palestinian negotiating team with Israel and the United States. They said Faraj was participating in […]

Israeli intel: Palestinian Authority cooperation on insurgents has dried up

Israeli intel: Palestinian Authority cooperation on insurgents has dried up

Special to WorldTribune.com JERUSALEM — Israel’s intelligence community has determined a sharp decline in security cooperation by the Palestinian Authority. Officials said the PA has become increasingly unresponsive to Israeli requests for security cooperation, particularly in the area of counter-insurgency. The officials said the Israel Security Agency received almost no hard intelligence from the PA […]

Kerry threatens Israel with international boycott

Kerry threatens Israel with international boycott

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has raised the prospect of an international boycott of Israel. The administration of President Barack Obama has warned that Israel would be de-legitimized should the United States fail to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank. A senior official rejected Israeli criticism of heavy pressure by […]