Analysis

EU split on UNRWA funding: Germany, Italy suspend while others call for audit

Several Western countries have decided to follow the Americans and suspend their donations to UNRWA, at least until an investigation is carried out into allegations that some of their staff participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

How American town halls became Gaza cease-fire hotspots

Citing a lack of action in Washington, constituents have turned to local governments to see Gaza cease-fire resolutions passed that while merely symbolic, are causing tensions across cities in America.

Palestine

UNRWA could run out of Gaza funding in a month as many in West cut aid

Several countries including the United States have halted their funding to UNRWA in Gaza over Israeli allegations that some of the agency’s employees were involved in Hamas’ attack on Israel, putting the crucial humanitarian work in the enclave at risk.

Palestine

Analysis

What is the significance of ICJ ruling on Israel’s war in Gaza?

The ruling by the UN’s top court could push Israel to alter its military actions in Gaza, while the US’ response to the case may hurt its international standing.

By Adam Lucente

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

Arab world, Iran, Turkey welcome ICJ ruling in Israel's genocide case

The region welcomed the ICJ’s ruling demanding Israel act to prevent acts of genocide against Gazans.

Palestine

US pauses UNRWA funding after employees accused of Oct. 7 involvement

The US paused new funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees while it reviews allegations that some of the organization's employees were involved in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Palestine

ICJ rules Israel must 'take all measures' to prevent genocide, stops short of ordering Gaza cease-fire

South Africa had filed a case with the court earlier this month arguing that Israel’s military operation in Gaza amounted to a state-led genocide.

Palestine

US pressures Israel on military targeting as Khan Younis fighting intensifies

In a webinar with Al-Monitor, the US special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues David Satterfield said the Israeli military should be doing more to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.

Palestine

As Gaza bombardment continues, are Hamas, Israel close to cease-fire deal?

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as the United States, Egypt and Qatar work to bridge the differences between Israel and Hamas and reach a deal on a cease-fire and the release of hostages.

Palestine

Interview

Iran sent US back-channel messages on risk of wider regional war, FM says

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran is not seeking a wider regional conflict, even as his country's network of militias across the Middle East are stepping up attacks on US bases and ships.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

Foreign Minister of Iran

Saudi FM: No Israel normalization without ‘irreversible path’ to Palestinian state

Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the kingdom would not finance the rebuilding of the enclave unless there is a viable path to a two-state solution.

Saudi Arabia

In West Bank, Israeli army ramps ups WhatsApp surveillance of Palestinians

No sense of privacy remains in Israel's checkpoints in the West Bank, where civilians face increasing intrusions into their digital lives and social media apps.

Palestine