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Building an IT startup in the Gaza Strip isn't simple: electricity is sporadic, there's no mobile 3G and even if you can sell your app outside Gaza's tightly controlled borders, it's difficult to get paid. Nonetheless, half a dozen Gazan entrepreneurs recently pitched their ideas as part of a unique program that seeks to catapult the businesses into the global marketplace.

The Palestinian territory is in the midst of a construction boom, more than three years after a major Israeli assault that left much of the territory in ruins. Since building materials haven't been allowed in legally since 2007, items like cement have been smuggled in through tunnels from Egypt.

The Islamist group, which controls the Gaza Strip, is undergoing "fundamental change," according to analysts and the statements of its senior leaders. Hamas leaders say there are divisions among the ranks as they try to grapple with where to push the movement.

The Israelis and Palestinians are once again trading fire across the borders of the Gaza Strip. But Israel says there's something different this time: The Iron Dome defense system is blocking some 90 percent of the Palestinian rockets.

Pakistani authorities say they believe their troops have cornered Osama bin Laden's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, near the Afghan-Pakistan border. Pakistani forces are engaged in a fierce battle there with tribal leaders and al Qaeda fighters. U.S. officials say they cannot confirm the reports. Hear NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

Khaled Mashaal, the long-exiled leader of Hamas, made his first visit to the Gaza Strip on Friday.

A week has elapsed since a ceasefire ended an explosion of violence between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The truce has so far held, despite some disputed incidents which have left one Palestinian dead and a group of Gaza fishermen in Israeli custody. Egypt, as mediator, is now holding separate talks with both sides to hammer out detailed agreements on key issues, including easing Israel's blockade of Gaza, and preventing weapons being smuggled into the region.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in the Middle East to push for an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas. She has met separately with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders. Cairo is her final destination, where she'll be meeting with Egypt's president who stands at the center of negotiations.

At least one rocket was fired from Gaza toward Tel Aviv on Sunday, but was thwarted by Israeli missile defense. Israel continued airstrikes overnight, hitting two media buildings that house both domestic and foreign news agencies.

When Egypt's prime minister visits the Gaza Strip, he's expected to express solidarity with the Palestinians. The area, controlled by Hamas, has been the source of rocket fire against Israel. Israeli officials have responded with airstrikes.

Over the past six weeks, Egypt's military has cracked down on the smuggling tunnels that bring many goods into Gaza. One official estimates that Gaza's GDP has lost $230 million and thousands of jobs over the past six weeks. Israel tightly controls construction materials going into Gaza.

The Israeli military said the shipment included advanced rockets that were of the type used to target civilians.