Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Displaced Palestinian people look at paintings at an open-air art exhibition at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on April 28, 2026. The majority of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, by the war that began with Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. With displaced families living in tented camps, with serious concerns raised about their living conditions. (Photo by Eyad Baba / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDI

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.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

An elections employee tapes a poster with instructions to voters ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on April 21, 2026.

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.

Rasha Abou Jalal

By Rasha Abou Jalal

In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds the hand of his wife Sara as they attend a ceremony commemorating Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers, or Yom HaZikaron, at the Military Cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on April 21, 2026. (Photo by Ilia YEFIMOVICH / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Olmert

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.

Latest News

Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters

Children and families gather to receive free meals shortly before Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan at a displacement camp in central Gaza City, on Feb. 27, 2026.

Daoud Kuttab

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

'Apartheid': Arab countries including UAE, Jordan decry new Israeli law

MOJAHID NAW/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Settler violence spike exposes Israeli government rift with military

Israeli settler violence graffiti

Analysis

India's Modi arrives in Israel as fears grow of US-Iran conflict

PM Netanyahu - X

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

A general view shows a United Nations Security Council meeting on Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City on December 8, 2023.

Breaking | Last Updated: December 9, 2023, 8:19 am

US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate cease-fire in Gaza

The renewed push for a cease-fire comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 17,000 and the humanitarian situation reaches catastrophic levels.

UNSC vote

Day 63 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Friday, Dec. 8

Dubai, United Arab Emerates, Dec. 2: António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General speaks at the G77 and China Leaders' Summit.

Analysis

Explainer: Why did UN chief Guterres invoke Article 99 over Gaza?

The invocation of the article, which formally brings the war to the attention of the Security Council, drew a rebuke from Israel and praise from Arab states, and may harm the UN secretary-general's relations with the US.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Merav Michaeli, Israel’s Labor party chief, on Oct. 20, 2022.

Analysis

Why did Israel Labor party chief Merav Michaeli quit politics?

Israeli Labor Chair Merav Michaeli says she will not run on the party ticket at the next elections and will not run at the primaries for the leadership position, as the party needs to heal after its low score in the last 2022 elections.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot (L) give a press conference in Tel Aviv, on December 4, 2018.

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s son killed in Gaza

Gadi Eisenkot joined Israel's war cabinet with his National Camp party leader Benny Gantz, another former IDF chief, after the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren arrives to address the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) annual policy conference in Washington on March 3, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Nicholas KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

'Multiple clocks' are ticking on Gaza, warns former Israeli ambassador to US

Michael Oren told Al-Monitor that Israel must appreciate the efforts by the Biden administration to support the country and its Gaza military campaign, and urged the Israeli government to curb West Bank settler violence.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Lebanon

Day 62 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Thursday, Dec. 7

Protesters lift placards and portraits during a demonstration in Tel Aviv on December 2, 2023, calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks. Israel and Hamas brushed off international calls to renew an expired truce on December 2 as air strikes pounded militant targets in Gaza and Palestinian groups launched volleys of rockets.

With hostage talks deadlocked, fears grow for women left in Gaza

Negotiations over the remaining female hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip have reached an impasse.

Guterres Netanyahu

Analysis

Shin Bet chief calls on UN to side with Israel in 'war between good and evil'

In a letter to the UN secretary-general, the head of Israel's domestic security agency called on the international community to support efforts to end Hamas' rule of the Gaza Strip and recognize the crimes committed against Israelis, especially women.

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

helicopter

Day 61 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Wednesday, Dec. 6

Erdogan warns Israel will 'pay the price' if it targets Hamas in Turkey

The Turkish President warned Israel would pay a heavy price if it dared to hunt down Hamas members in Turkish territory.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends an observation of the 75th anniversary of the Nakba in the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations on May 15, 2023 in New York City.

Is time running out for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas?

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has stayed relatively quiet amid the war in Gaza, but this approach is only further eroding his popularity with the Palestinian population.

Daoud Kuttab

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics