Avi Issacharoff

While the reconciliation agreement calls for the mutual release of prisoners, Hamas is reporting that four of its activists were arrested in the West Bank.

The elimination of Osama bin Laden represents a major victory for the U.S., and its timing can only help Obama's reelection chances.

While the U.S. military has advanced significantly during its fight against extremists in Afghanistan, the killing of bin Laden is an achievement that may finally resonate with the Middle Eastern consciousness.

The readiness of Hamas to come to the reconciliation agreement apparently results from broader developments in the Arab world, with Hamas' leadership fearing they would meet the same fate as the Mubarak regime in Egypt.

Egypt may return to serve as mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas, Al-Hayat reports; parents of kidnapped IDF soldier meet new Israeli negotiator for their son's release.

Opposition reports over 50 civilians killed by Syrian authorities in protests throughout the country Friday; Syrian news agency says 'armed terrorist group' killed four soldiers; Muslim Brotherhood officially endorses protests.

Prime Minister would have been better advised to hold his tongue and sit the newly formed reconciliation deal out, say Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel.

The opening of the Rafah crossing would also signify the end of a 2005 agreement on the administration of Gaza border crossings to which the United States, Israel, Egypt and the European Union were parties.

Abbas tells delegation representing a group promoting an Israeli peace initiative that Fatah would be in charge of policy and that he would not allow violence.

Egyptian FM tells Al-Jazeera that preparations are already underway to permanently open Rafah border crossing, which would allow goods and people in and out of Gaza with no Israeli supervision.

Speaking with reporters in Ramallah, Palestinian Authority President says he will have final authority on the makeup of the future Hamas-Fatah cabinet.

Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel believe Netanyahu will be able to use the newly signed unity deal as proof that Abbas doesn't really want peace.

Five weeks after Egypt resumed supplying gas to Israel after the last sabotage attack on the pipeline, a group of armed men blew it up again during the wee hours of Tuesday night.

Rival groups will form interim government and then move toward setting a date for a general election, four years after their government collapsed when Hamas overran the Gaza Strip.

The gloves come off in Syria as Assad goes to war with his own people.

Jewish worshipper killed by Palestinian Authority security services during the Israelis' unauthorized visit to Joseph's Tomb.

The Palestinian Authority is keen to prevent a broad confrontation with Israel, but this may change by September.

Following weeks of protests, Syrian security forces appear to planning major security operation; all land border crossings with neighboring Jordan closed.

If Assad does not use the same murderous force against the protesters that his father Hafez Assad used against tens of thousands of members of the Muslim Brotherhood in the city of Hama 30 years ago, he will not survive.

Funerals held across the country, following Syria's bloodiest day after weeks of demonstrations in which at least 88 pro-democracy protesters were killed; two Syrian lawmakers, cleric resign to protest the killings.

Syrian security forces fire live bullets and tear gas at the tens of thousands of people across the country chanting 'the people want the downfall of the regime.'

The wounded were not UN workers, as had been previously reported; IDF says the three were injured by an errant mortar bomb launched by Gaza militants.

President Assad's latest declarations are on par with the desperate measures taken by his Egyptian counterpart. Eventually, something will give.

Counter-Terrorism Bureau issues travel warning to thousands of Israelis traveling abroad during Passover holiday, recommends to stay away from sites with high concentration of Israeli tourists.

Palestinian Prime Minister Salaam Fayad kicks off the sixth international conference for Palestinian Popular Resistance.