Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Interview

Marwan Barghouti’s wife slams ‘political targeting’ after Ben-Gvir video

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Fadwa Barghouti condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s prison video as a politically motivated attempt to intimidate her husband, Marwan Barghouti, while saying it instead reinforced his symbolic status among Palestinians.

Fadwa Barghouti

Fadwa Barghouti

Member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council

A container ship passes in front of Haydarpasa Port as it navigates the Bosphorus Strait on May 2, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey blocks Israel-linked ships from using its ports: What to know

Ship operators must declare vessels have no ties to Israel under new restrictions.

HRH the Crown Prince welcomes President of Egypt upon arrival in Neom, Saudi Arabia, on Aug. 21, 2025.

Egypt's Sisi, Saudi crown prince discuss Red Sea, Gaza, trade in Neom

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi headed to Saudi Arabia as the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation on regional and international issues.

MOUNEB TAIM/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

US sanctions 4 ICC officials over Israel case

The sanctions against four of the court's officials come as Israel prepares for a military offensive in Gaza City.

Latest News

Israel calls up 60,000 reservists as Egypt floats Hamas disarmament plan

Amir Levy/Getty Images

Lebanon PM in Jordan as Beirut pushes Hezbollah disarmament, Iran’s influence wanes

Jordanian King Abdullah II receives Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Amman on Aug. 19, 2025.

Analysis

In accepting Gaza truce proposal, is Hamas setting 'trap' for boxed-in Netanyahu?

Tents housing displaced Palestinians line a street in Gaza City, Aug. 18, 2025.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Serbia, Slovenia still buying Israeli arms despite embargo: What to know

A special anti-terrorist unit stands in front of the Palace of Serbia to secure the place prior to Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu's arrival for a meeting with Serbia's president in Belgrade, on Sept. 11, 2024.

Israeli army soldiers look at the destruction in Gaza from the border with the Palestinian territory, Aug. 13, 2025.

Exclusive

Contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Israel spy chief pushes partial Gaza deal in Qatar

As the Israeli prime minister defends his plan to take full control of Gaza, Mossad chief David Barnea pushes for a partial ceasefire deal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Nadeen Ayoub

Meet Nadeen Ayoub, first Palestinian woman to compete for Miss Universe

The 27-year-old beauty queen, crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, will take the stage in Thailand this November, marking the first time Palestine is represented at the global competition since its founding in 1952.

MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

Israel's Smotrich to approve E1 settlement plan that 'buries idea of Palestinian state'

Despite years of international pressure against a move that would forestall a Palestinian state, Israel's E1 settlement project is set to be approved next week.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, meets with US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, in Baabda, east of Beirut, July 7, 2025.

Analysis

Lebanon key to Trump plan for turnaround in Middle East

The final "This Week" column reflects on US policy toward Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza.

Andrew Parasiliti

By Andrew Parasiliti

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Tents used as temporary shelters by displaced Palestinians are set up near war-damaged buildings in Gaza City on Aug. 8, 2025.

Exclusive

Gaza’s prospective postwar governor, Samir Hulileh, on his conditions for role

In an interview with Al-Monitor, the Palestinian businessman outlines the guarantees involving a ceasefire, borders and funding in Gaza that he says are essential before accepting the role.

Daoud Kuttab

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

Demonstrators gather during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli universities, tech firms, cities to join strike over Netanyahu’s Gaza takeover plan

An increasing number of institutions and businesses are allowing their employees to join the general strike planned for Sunday, in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take control of Gaza City.

Buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes surround makeshift shelters for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, on Aug. 8, 2025.

Norway's wealth fund vows to stay invested in Israel after selling shares in 11 firms

In a press conference on Tuesday, the fund said it had sold the stake in Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd, a group that provides services to the Israeli military, including the maintenance of fighter jets.

https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/08/trump-tacitly-backs-gaza-city-offensive-netanyahu-plays-time

Analysis

As Trump tacitly backs Gaza City offensive, Netanyahu–army rift widens

An exchange last week between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his top general suggests that the Israeli premier himself does not believe in the plan he is touting for Israel to take full control of Gaza City.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

East Jerusalem father, son arrested over Israel attack plot: What to know

Three east Jerusalem residents arrested in are suspected of fabricating dozens of explosive devices and plotting to commit several attacks against Israelis.

NOEMIE DE BELLAIGUE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Germany to halt Israel military exports that can be used in Gaza: What to know

Germany, traditionally one of Israel’s strongest allies in Europe, has been under pressure to toughen its stance toward the war in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

A young boy stands next to his bicycle as Palestinians check the devastation following an Israeli strike that hit Gaza City's southern al-Zeitoun neighbourhood on August 8, 2025. Israel's military will "take control" of Gaza City under a new plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, touching off a wave of criticism Friday from both inside and outside the country. (Photo by BASHAR TALEB / AFP) (Photo by BASHAR TALEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Israel's Vietnam: As Netanyahu pushes Gaza City takeover, military warns of endless war

The plan to extend Israeli control beyond the 75% of Gaza it now holds ignores warnings by military chief Eyal Zamir and the public's desire to end the war.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Gaza City

Israel's security cabinet approves takeover of Gaza City

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to launch an operation to overtake Gaza City despite objections by the Israeli military and warnings by families of hostages such a move would get their loved ones killed.