Israeli intervention in Jerusalem provokes Coptic Christians

A recent run-in shines a spotlight on age-old disputes between Christian denominations in the Middle East.

Palestine

Why Hamas wants to distance itself from recent rocket launch

Although no Gaza faction claimed responsibility for the rocket that recently hit southern Israel, some Palestinians believe it was launched by Hamas or Islamic Jihad to deliver a message to Israel without getting Gaza dragged into a major confrontation.

Palestine

UN gives thumbs-up for Palestine to lead Group of 77

The UN General Assembly is granting Palestine additional membership rights during its one-year chairmanship of the Group of 77.

Palestine

How Palestinian exports of $1 billion impact trade deficit

Governmental and nongovernmental parties in Palestine are trying to support the export sector in a bid to reduce the trade deficit and dependency on the Israeli economy.

Palestine

Analysis: Possible indictment pushes Netanyahu to attack rivals

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that the police have finished their investigations in three cases involving him, which is why he is now attacking senior Likud member and potential rival Gideon Saar.

Israel

Netanyahu backs main Likud rival into corner

A dramatic exchange of accusations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former minister seen as his likely successor has backfired on Gideon Sa'ar and left Netanyahu more untouchable than ever.

Israel

How Egypt tries putting off Gaza outburst

Egypt presented to Israel its latest compromise proposal for limiting Hamas demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border, in exchange for Israel opening the crossing points for fuel and raw materials.

Palestine

King Abdullah’s move to terminate parts of peace treaty seen as snub to Netanyahu

The king’s decision not to renew the leases of Jordanian lands to Israel under the 1994 peace treaty was seen as a bold move that might divert attention from the difficult economic decisions that the government and parliament must make by the end of the year, according to analysts.

Israel

Palestine seeks to achieve energy independence

Seeking to reduce its huge dependence on Israel, Palestine is set to establish waste-to-energy and solar power projects.

Palestine

Commentary: Is Trump helping Netanyahu win elections?

According to a European diplomat, US Ambassador David Friedman told colleagues that the Trump administration would not present its peace plan until after the elections are held in Israel, so as not to jeopardize the right-wing hold on power.

Palestine

Netanyahu losing his diplomatic ‘magic touch’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, master of international diplomacy, seems to be losing his magic touch: Ties with Jordan and Russia are shaky, the alliance with Saudi Arabia draws criticism and the Trump team might present its peace plan at any moment.

Palestine

Middle East pins Oscar hopes on young directors

From Lebanon to Egypt to Tunisia, regional countries' Academy Awards nominees for best foreign language film are mostly the works of young directors and center on the lives of young adults and children.

Egypt