Violence in Gaza Threatens to Overshadow Talks

by Eric Westervelt, NPR

Violence in the Gaza Strip threatens to damage the shaky peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel's defense minister vows to crack down even harder on the Gaza Strip — now controlled by Hamas — in the face of ongoing Gaza rocket fire and Hamas' claim of responsibility for the first suicide bombing in Israel in more than a year.

Meantime, pressure is growing within the Palestinian Authority leadership — now confined to the West Bank — to open a dialogue with its bitter rival, Hamas. But those talks could jeopardize the already fragile talks with Israel.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, February 8, 2008