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
Despite tension, Syrian refugees find sympathy in Lebanese villages While Lebanon’s impoverished border towns are generally more concerned with pre-existing hardships than those brought by Syrian refugees, some xenophobia has crept into these areas. Lebanon
How Egypt is promoting education for Syrian refugees The efforts of the Egyptian government to integrate Syrian students in Egyptian schools aim to make the students feel welcome. Egypt
Afghan kite runners revive old tradition in new home The 116,000 Afghans seeking asylum in Turkey are often overlooked, but a kite project aims to lift their spirits. Syria
Why is Turkey so invested in rehabilitating Syrian city of al-Bab? After Turkey and allied rebel forces ousted the Islamic State from the northern Syrian city of al-Bab, Ankara is now doubling down on efforts to rebuild infrastructure and boost education in the area. Syria
Gaza radio station gives a voice to refugees, women In its first month on the air, Hawwa radio station based in Nuseirat refugee camp has tackled issues prominent in Gaza refugee camps and aims to encourage women to stand up for themselves. Palestine
Refugees’ fate in limbo as Iraqi Kurdistan referendum nears The Sept. 25 referendum on independence in Iraqi Kurdistan may turn the predominantly Sunni Arab displaced community into a new source of tension between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region. Iraq
Libya’s pleas for Italian help unlikely to solve migration issue The Libyan plea to Italy to help counter the migration flow may not bring in the desired results, as the former colonial power has its own interests to serve during this election year. Libya
Syrian regime says it's time for the displaced to return Hundreds of people displaced from al-Waer neighborhood in Homs, Syria, have now left the Zoghra camp outside of Aleppo and returned to the regime-controlled Homs. Syria
Despite probe, questions remain after Syrians die in Lebanese custody Four Syrians detained by the Lebanese army in a raid on Syrian refugee camps in Arsal died less than 48 hours into their detention, thus raising questions about the reason behind their deaths, as several photos showed signs of torture on their bodies. Lebanon
'Refugees Got Talent' showcases Syrian performers in Egypt The UNHCR hosted a talent show for refugees in Alexandria, offering displaced Syrians and others a rare chance to perform onstage. Egypt
Syrian refugees in Turkey return home for holidays As Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of Ramadan, Turkish authorities opened two border crossings with Syria so refugees can visit their homeland. Syria
What's keeping Syria’s Palestinian refugees from returning to camps? The Palestinian refugees in Syria are still waiting for the green light to go back to their camps following a wave of displacement that resulted from clashes between the Syrian regime and gunmen. Palestine
