Barack Obama's first call made as president to a foreign leader went to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He told the beleaguered leader that he was firmly committed to working for Middle East peace, and that he saw Abbas as his partner.

In late October, nine months after that call, Mr. Obama and Abbas spoke again by telephone. President Obama urged Abbas to return to negotiations with the Israelis and drop his preconditions that Israel freeze settlements, according to Palestinians with knowledge of the conversation. Abbas said he'd rather resign than go to negotiations without a full settlement freeze by the Israelis.

Abbas has since said publicly that he would not run again in Palestinian elections set for next year. And people around him have hinted to the press that he may resign much sooner.

October 2, 2009

Palestinians Release Video of Israeli Soldier as Part of Prisoner Exchange
A thin but healthy-looking Israeli soldier, captured more than three years ago, said in a video released Friday that he is being treated well by his Palestinian captors and asked to come home.

September 22, 2009

Obama Urges Abbas, Netanyahu to Advance Talks
Undertaking a foreign policy challenge that that has vexed world leaders for years, President Barack Obama pressed Israeli and Palestinians leaders Tuesday to do more to reach an elusive Mideast peace deal.

September 15, 2009

U.N. Finds Evidence of War Crimes in Gaza Fighting
A U.N. report has concluded that both the Israeli military and armed Palestinian groups committed actions amounting to war crimes during December's three-week war in Gaza. Gwen Ifill speaks with an author of the report and the Israeli ambassador to the U.S.

June 15, 2009

Netanyahu Backs Plans for Demilitarized Palestinian State
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a major policy speech Sunday that he would accept a Palestinian state as long as it recognized Israel and was demilitarized. Margaret Warner reports on reaction to the speech.