The Institute for Middle East Understanding offers journalists and editors quick access to information about Palestine and the Palestinians, as well as expert sources — both in the U.S. and in the Middle East. Read our Background Briefings. Contact us for story assistance. Sign up for e-briefings.
Journalists & Editors: Sign up for e-mail briefings here.
PJ Crowley, a US State Department spokesperson, tells Al Jazeera that the US has "outlined some concerns to the Israelis" and is waiting for a response from the Israelis to see "what level of commitment Israel has to move forward" on Middle East talks.
The US-based Center for Constitutional Rights is petitioning various United Nations offices, of Palestinian families whose ancestors are buried in the Mamila Cemetery. The cemetery better known as Mamilla, has been a Muslim burial ground since the 7th century, when companions of the Prophet Muhammad were reputedly buried there.
The US vice-president has concluded his visit to the Palestinian city of Ramallah in the West Bank with nothing to show for his efforts to reopen Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Amid an American diplomatic offensive comprising visits by the vice-president, Joe Biden, and the US Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have agreed to hold indirect negotiations after more than a year of deep freeze.