Analysis Why Abbas' win in Gaza remains 'symbolic,' not rejection of Hamas Affiliates of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas performed relatively well in the municipal elections, though the vote was marred by complications relating to the war and the exclusion of Hamas. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Feature Gazans show cautious hope ahead of first local elections in 20 years The city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza is set to hold municipal elections for the first time in nearly two decades. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Israel's Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer: What we know The prime minister said he postponed the report’s publication to prevent it from being released at the height of the war with Iran. Israel
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Analysis India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Saudi Arabia 'very, very close' to US security pact tied to Palestinian state In separate comments on Monday, the Saudi and US top diplomats said bilateral agreements on security and defense cooperation — which Riyadh is seeking if it agrees to normalize ties with Israel — were imminent. Saudi Arabia
Gaza protests spread to over 25 US universities with hundreds arrested The Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University has sparked similar protests throughout the country. Palestine
As pressure mounts, US delays plan to withhold aid from Israeli military unit The State Department's plan to block a notoriously violent Israeli military unit from receiving US security assistance could help address what some say is a failure to hold Israel to the same standards as other US arms recipients. Israel
As Egypt steps in, will Israel pursue hostage deal or Rafah operation? As Qatar steps back and Egypt leads diplomacy on a cease-fire deal, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is closer to the moment of truth and decision between an agreement or a Rafah operation. Israel
China hosts Hamas, Fatah delegations for reconciliation talks The meeting follows a Hamas official's statement that the movement was ready to join the PLO. Palestine
Over 20 US universities join in Gaza protests: What we know A pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University has sparked similar protests throughout the United States, as well as France, eliciting both praise and condemnation as authorities in some areas attempt to disperse the crowds. Palestine
Israel war cabinet meets as Egypt proposes three-phase Gaza cease-fire plan Reports suggest that Egypt has taken the lead on a new round of talks with Hamas and has presented Israel with a fresh proposal for a hostage-release and truce deal. Israel
US military begins construction on humanitarian aid pier off Gaza Mortar shells rained down on a section of Gaza’s coast on Thursday, underscoring the risks inherent in the Pentagon’s plan to rely on the Israeli military to provide security for humanitarian pier as the US seeks to stave off famine. Palestine
Erdogan and Germany's Steinmeier chuckle over doner kebab as ties grow The German president’s visit, marking the centennial of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Germany, came during a challenging time for Ankara-Berlin relations, given the wide gap over the Israel-Hamas war. Turkey
US slams Smotrich's 'reckless' effort to legalize West Bank outposts Israel's far-right finance minister is reportedly pushing to legalize 68 outposts during a time of rising settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel
Dubai's record rainfall spotlights Gulf’s troubled relation with water The Gulf’s longterm love–hate relationship with water lies behind a year and a half's worth of rain that fell on Dubai in 24 hours. It includes climate change-induced shifting rainfall patterns, groundwater extractions and unsustainable consumption. United Arab Emirates
Blinken hints at US move to restrict aid to Israeli military unit The United States is expected to invoke a decades-old law to restrict military assistance to Netzah Yehuda, an Israeli military unit accused of gross human rights violations. Israel
