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
Hamas executes convicted Israeli spies after breakneck trial Despite the legal issues that emerged in the prosecution of three men convicted of killing a Hamas military commander, Hamas carried out their execution in a matter of days of the trial's conclusion. Palestine
Saudi bloc splinters over hard line on Iran Riyadh summit may have fueled sectarian animosities; Hamas resets its ties with Iran and Russia. Saudi Arabia
In eye of regional storm, Hamas pushed closer to Tehran Iran has recently welcomed the election of Hamas’ new leadership, which raises questions about Hamas’ next step in forming and mending its regional relations. Palestine
Palestinians call Israeli economic offer too little, too late While Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon made a dramatic visit to Ramallah to announce a package of economic concessions, the Palestinians were less than impressed. Palestine
The reason Trump’s regional visit raised Israeli concerns Contrary to public impression, Israeli political and security establishments were actually worried over US President Donald Trump’s regional visit, especially over his positive impressions of the Saudi leadership. Palestine
Israelis join Palestinians in peaceful Hebron protest The Israeli army disrupted the peaceful protests held by Palestinian and Israeli activists in a village south of Hebron to help the local communities return to their land. Palestine
The real story behind Trump’s meetings with Abbas and Netanyahu President Donald Trump's meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were not smooth sailing. Palestine
Israeli-Palestinian coordination ends prisoners’ strike Coordination of positions between Israel and the team of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas brought about the end of the prisoners’ hunger strike. Palestine
Trump risks repeating Obama's Mideast mistakes Like his predecessors, President Donald Trump is about to discover that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the only possible deal to end the conflict with the Palestinians. Palestine
Future uncertain as jihadis begin to leave Damascus' Yarmouk camp Fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, are leaving Syria’s largest Palestinian refugee camp as per a deal with the regime, although the residents do not seem so enthusiastic. Palestine
Trump makes no promises during Bethlehem whistle-stop US President Donald Trump hit most of the right notes on his visit to Palestine, but what Palestinians need from a peace process is likely not on Trump’s agenda. Palestine
Palestinian traders forced to retreat from Cairo market In the most crowded part of Egypt’s popular markets, in the center of Cairo, mainly clothing is sold at the "Gaza Market," but the Palestinian traders have made way for their Egyptian counterparts. Palestine
