United Nations

Analysis

Israel unlikely to heed ICJ on Rafah halt, prepares for diplomatic fallout

Israel is unlikely to withdraw its forces from Rafah despite concerns within the political and military establishment over the country's growing international isolation.

By Ben Caspit

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

‘Bracing for the worst’: Aid groups draw up Rafah contingency plans

The uncertainty surrounding Israel’s threatened ground offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah has made it difficult for aid groups to prepare for their own evacuations.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

US vetoes Palestinian membership at United Nations

The resolution to grant the Palestinians full UN membership received support from a majority of the council but failed to pass after a US veto.

Israel

Palestinian UN envoy: US 'holding us hostage' ahead of membership vote

The UN Security Council will vote Thursday on full Palestinian membership in the United Nations, and though it appears likely to have the votes, the United States has signaled that it could use its veto to block the measure.

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

US readies another veto as Palestinians seek elusive UN membership

The United States is poised for another UN Security Council showdown as the Palestinians seek full UN membership for the second time.

Israel

Interview

Palestine to bid for full UN membership this month, says ambassador

Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour spoke to Al-Monitor about Arab solidarity on Gaza, Palestine’s efforts to become a full member of the UN, reconciliation with Hamas and alleged sexual crimes on both sides of the conflict.

Riyad Mansour

Palestine Ambassador to the UN

White House: No Rafah invasion until Israeli delegation talks alternatives

"We don’t support a major ground operation," White House NSC coordinator John Kirby emphasized on Thursday, as an Israeli delegation is expected to discuss alternatives with top officials in Washington next week.

Palestine

In latest about-face, Netanyahu agrees to resend canceled US delegation to discuss Rafah

The White House said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed for his top aides to travel to Washington to discuss the situation in Rafah after the Israeli leader canceled the delegation Monday.

Israel

Analysis

As Israel's Gallant seeks arms in Washington, Netanyahu picks fight with Biden

The Israeli premier's decision to cancel a major diplomatic visit to Washington will add to the distance between his country and the United States, but that may be precisely his plan.

By Ben Caspit

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

Israel’s Gallant kicks off US visit with weapons, Rafah on agenda

Washington still seeks to avert an Israeli operation in Rafah, even as Netanyahu cancels a delegation of top advisers over the US abstention on a UN Security Council vote.

Israel

Netanyahu cancels Washington delegation visit after US abstains from UN cease-fire vote

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Strategic Minister Ron Dermer and national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi will not travel to Washington after the United States refrained from vetoing a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel

UN Security Council adopts Gaza cease-fire resolution after US abstains

The vote marks the first time the UN Security Council has backed a cease-fire in Gaza and comes days after Russia and China vetoed a similar measure put forward by the United States.

Israel