Newsletter: Palestine Palestine elections chief: Vote ‘transparent’ despite war, restrictions In an exclusive interview, Rami Hamdallah defended the transparency of recent Palestinian local elections while outlining the political and logistical barriers to voting in Gaza and East Jerusalem. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
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
Analysis On eve of Palestinian local elections, competition in short supply With many races unopposed and rivals excluded, the vote underscores a calibrated effort to contain dissent and prioritize stability. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
Palestinian budget excludes Gaza, unless it toes the line Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ratified the 2018 public budget — which includes a controversial, quid pro quo clause regarding funds for the Gaza Strip — without obtaining the proper approval, raising questions about the Palestinian Authority’s desire to achieve reconciliation. Palestine
Disrespect for judicial rulings erodes Israeli democracy By ignoring Supreme Court rulings that are incompatible with their populist messages, Israeli politicians not only offend the rule of law, they undermine the democratic foundations of the state. Palestine
Egypt prods Hamas on next PLC head Few details have emerged from meetings between a Hamas delegation and Egyptian officials last month, but it is believed that Hamas is being encouraged to cede its speakership in the Palestinian Legislative Council as part of a leadership succession plan. Palestine
Abbas’ revenge against Hamas, US, Israel Israeli officials believe that a decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to reimpose sanctions on Gaza is meant to entangle Israel and Hamas in a military adventure. Palestine
Why Israel is in no rush to destroy Hamas tunnels The IDF hopes that by destroying Hamas tunnels gradually and not all at once it can avoid a full-out confrontation. Palestine
Israel prepares for 'May Madness' Israeli sources believe President Donald Trump will abandon the Iranian nuclear deal in May and are analyzing the possible outcomes of a number of other events anticipated that month. Palestine
Jerusalem electricity company crippled by Israel, Palestinian Authority The Jerusalem District Electricity Company, which supplies energy to 280,000 customers spanning four districts and employing more than 1,000 Palestinians, faces several challenges by the Israeli and Palestinian governments. Palestine
Gaza farmers denounce Israel pesticide use along border Agricultural lands along the eastern Gaza border are being sprayed with pesticides by Israeli gliders, resulting in the destruction of cultivated crops on Palestinian lands. Palestine
Why Palestinians say early elections in Israel would change nothing Palestinian sources estimate that whether or not Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu wins in the next election, settlement policies will persist. Palestine
Palestinians pin hopes on Pompeo The Palestinian leadership hopes that the friendship between intelligence chief Majid Faraj and Mike Pompeo, who will soon be appointed US secretary of state, will help thaw relations between Washington and Ramallah. Palestine
Animators with passion bring humor to digital content in Gaza Three young Palestinians are determined to create socially relevant and sometimes-humorous digital content in Gaza despite some obstacles. Palestine
Gazan family discovers Roman site in backyard A Gaza family’s discovery of the remains of a Roman cemetery in their backyard spurred a major conflict between the family and the authorities. Palestine
