Israel expands Gaza buffer zone to 20% as humanitarian situation deteriorates Israel’s expanded buffer zone will cut off Gaza from Egypt and further partition the Strip, as the humanitarian crisis in the territory deepens. Palestine
Feature Fearing for safety, Syria's Alawites who fled to Lebanon have no plans to return More than 30 members of one family spoke to Al-Monitor after fleeing into northern Lebanon from Syria amid a spasm of sectarian violence in the country. Many remain skeptical that it's safe to return. By Katya Hovnanian-Alexanian
Analysis Could Israel's West Bank operation lead to annexation long sought by right? The Israeli military is currently operating in West Bank Area A, which under the Oslo Accords should be administered fully by the Palestinian Authority. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
From Saudi Arabia to Australia and China, world leaders denounce Trump’s plan to 'take over' Gaza President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about a possible US takeover of Gaza after relocating the Palestinians caused a wave of uproar across the region and the world. Palestine
Analysis EU seeks channels with HTS as it grapples with post-Assad Syria By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
NGO: Most refugees in Lebanon lack soap after refugee tests positive for coronavirus The International Rescue Committee's survey was released after a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon tested positive for the virus. Palestine
How is Lebanon dealing with refugee camps amid coronavirus outbreak? Since the coronavirus reached Lebanon, there have been growing concerns about the spread of the epidemic inside the country’s overcrowded Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps. Lebanon
Syrian Kurdish officials setting up court to try foreign IS fighters As European countries have failed to try their nationals from among Islamic State (IS) members detained by Syrian Kurds, Kurdish authorities intend to establish a special court to try them. Syria
Why Ankara’s Syrian refugee threat has lost its impact The “refugee crisis” that Ankara triggered at the Greek border has come to an end, as it failed to create the desired impact on Europe. Syria
‘Let them cross’: Turkey’s president defiant on Europe border crisis Turkey's president, after meeting with EU leaders, says Greece should open its border with Turkey to migrants and then let them cross into other European countries; Russian and Turkish patrols for a new security corridor straddling Syria's M4 highway also are set. Syria
Arabic Sesame Street helps children explore emotions Sesame Workshop, the non-governmental organization behind series like "Sesame Street," teamed up with the International Rescue Committee to produce a new show for Middle Eastern children affected by war and displacement. Jordan
Turkish envoy calls for more international support for Syria refugees, cease-fire deal Turkish Ambassador Serdar Kilic said Ankara is not receiving enough support from the international community as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Brussels for meetings with the European Council and NATO. Syria
Idlib operation splits Turks more than other Syria interventions Opinion polls show mixed feelings about Turkey’s declaration of a major offensive in Syria after an attack killed dozens of its soldiers. Public attention has also shifted hundreds of miles away to its borders with Europe after the government invited millions of refugees to leave. Syria
Turkey launches Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces Turkey has downed two Syrian jets in launching Operation Spring Shield while also sending refugees to the Greek border. Syria
Socks for tourists, jobs for refugees in Jordan Two young entrepreneurs in Jordan get women in refugee camps to knit socks for tourists. Jordan
Palestinians in Iraq protesting to have their rights restored Displaced Palestinians in Iraq who live in very poor conditions have joined the protests in Baghdad, demanding their rights as refugees who have lived in the country for decades. Iraq
Will Turkish-trained Syrian police help restore security in area held by Turkish forces? The situation in Syria’s Operation Peace Spring area in northern Syria does not bode well for refugees wishing to return home from Turkey, with ongoing car bombs and explosions despite efforts by local councils to restore stability. Syria