Topic: Ramallah

UN vote to endorse Goldstone report increases pressure on Israel

Israel's refusal to investigate allegations of war crimes in Gaza is increasingly putting it at odds with the international community – including allies such as the US.

What needs to be solved for Fatah-Hamas reconciliation

Fatah agreed Wednesday to an Egyptian-backed deal, but tension over the Goldstone report and deep distrust have left many skeptical.

Israel on Nobel Peace Prize: Hopes for progress

Israeli and Palestinian officials both had praise for President Obama, despite disappointment in peace process

How world views Obama Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize is praised in many countries as a reflection of a "new hope" in world politics, but others worry it came too soon. A global roundup of views.

Palestinians outraged over Abbas bowing to Israel, US

The Palestinian Authority's decision to postpone a vote on the Goldstone report last week is the last straw for many, sparking protests in the West Bank and Gaza.

Israel's captured youths: Gilad Shalit and a Palestinian girl with braces

In an interview, Baraah Malki – one of the first of 20 female Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel in exchange for a video of kidnapped soldier Shalit – talks about her time in prison.

Palestinians drop endorsement of Goldstone report on Gaza war

The US reportedly convinced the Palestinian Authority to withdraw its backing in order to advance the peace process. Israel had said the Goldstone report would severely damage peace talks.

Hamas, Fatah close in on reconciliation deal

Hamas agreed 'in principle' to an Egyptian proposal Monday that would give Palestinians a united front in peace talks with Israel.

Palestinian TV airs daring satire

A rarity in the mideast, the political show spares no one – but even President Mahmoud Abbas is chuckling.

Will Abbas's rising clout be hurt by Netanyahu meeting?

Palestinian polls show Abbas gaining significant support in recent months over Hamas, which harshly criticized his willingness to meet the Israeli leader without a settlement freeze in place.

Does Netanyahu want what Israelis want in peace talks?

A majority of Israelis support a two-state solution, including steps such as a settlement freeze.

How to get Mideast peace talks out of 'dark corner' of Israeli settlements

The Geneva Initiative, a group of prominent Israelis and Palestinians, on Tuesday presented a blueprint for comprehensive peace. Next step: public debate.

The 'Elders' arrive in Israel to boost Mideast peace

The respected delegation, headed by former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, irked Israel by initially planning to meet Hamas in Gaza. That trip has been delayed.

Abbas emerges stronger from Fatah conference

The mainline Palestinian party elected a new guard in its first leadership vote in 20 years, revamping a council whose youngest member was 70.

West Bank: From the rubble, a home furnishing center rises

Abbas's big move to revamp Fatah

On Tuesday, the Palestinian president convened his party's first congress since 1989 to strengthen its position in negotiations with Israel, Hamas.

Envoy Mitchell kicks off Mideast peace push

In Syria, Mitchell said peace between Israel and Syria was a 'near-term goal.' Syrian, Israeli, Egyptian, and Palestinian leaders are meeting with the special envoy, who will be joined by Defense Secretary Gates and other high-level US officials.

Why Palestinian leaders have banned Al Jazeera

Ahead of a major Fatah leadership conference, the Arab TV network reported Tuesday that President Mahmoud Abbas had been involved in an assassination plot against his predecessor, Yasser Arafat.

World reacts cautiously to Ahmadinejad's re-election

US envoy's visit could ease Gaza blockade

Forced to rebuild using mud and animal-drawn carts, Gazans are increasingly frustrated with Hamas's hard-line policies.

Bottom line for Palestinian entrepreneurs: Reinvent the economy

Israeli restrictions and dependence on foreign aid have stifled the all-important business sector.

A wake-up call on water use

A long-running resource issue finally trickles down to more consumers.

Can Mitchell, now in Israel, calm settlement dispute?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is pushing back against increased US pressure to halt the growth of Jewish communities in the West Bank.