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
A new refugee flow to Europe: Turkish refugees The mass arrests in Turkey after the failed coup in July 2016 have prompted many Turks to flee their country for Europe. Turkey
Israel's betrayal of African refugees Israel's right-wing government is set on expelling African illegal immigrants, who face great danger in their home and host countries. Israel
Why is Iraq now stripping Palestinians of their rights? The Iraqi government passed a law depriving Palestinians in the country of their basic rights, which raised questions about the timing that coincided with growing US and Israeli pressure to stop funding the UNRWA. Palestine
Israeli centrist leader at war with UNRWA Contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid wholeheartedly embraced the threats by the Trump administration to cut UNRWA financing, which has the potential to create a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Israel caught between Trump and Gaza suffering Israel recognizes UNRWA’s role in preventing starvation in Gaza, so it cannot openly endorse the Trump administration's apparent desire to cut aid to the organization. Palestine
All official Syrian-Lebanon border crossings now open The border area has been deemed secure enough for the Lebanese and Syrian governments to reopen the last of the five border crossings between the two countries. Lebanon
Jordan’s refugees struggle through winter of discontent The UNHCR in Jordan tries to raise funds for refugees before the harsh winter through a handicrafts bazaar. Jordan
Ankara pressed to explain $30 billion refugee bill Turkey’s opposition is piling up pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government to provide a transparent account of the $30 billion that Ankara says it has been spent on Syrian refugees. Syria
Four-year-old siege still punishing civilians in Syria's Yarmouk camp Despite talk of negotiations and a breakthrough, the siege imposed by the Syrian regime on the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus continues to claim the lives of civilians. Syria
50,000 Syrians on Jordan's border trapped in world power struggle European and other officials are calling on Jordan to facilitate food transfers to Rukban, where some 50,000 displaced Syrians are being denied adequate aid. Jordan
Syrian refugee camp in Jordan goes solar A German-built solar power facility is helping to improve life for residents of the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp and other camps in Jordan through clean energy. Jordan
Syrian folk dancers stomp their way into Egyptian society Syrian refugees who formed a dabke troupe four years ago are increasingly popular at Egyptian weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. Egypt
