Settler violence spike exposes Israeli government rift with military Knesset member Ram Ben-Barak of centrist Yesh Atid told Al-Monitor that the government must permit the use of administrative detention for extremist settlers to curb the violence. Israel
Wartime closures at Jerusalem holy sites raise fears of lasting shift among Palestinians Palestinians say sweeping restrictions during Ramadan and ahead of Eid reflect security concerns, but there is concern they could ultimately reshape access to worship in the Old City. Palestine
Analysis Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority Hamas has so far stayed out of the escalating Iran war, despite its longstanding alliance with Tehran, reflecting a cautious strategic calculation. By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Spain recalls Israel ambassador, calls Iran war 'flagrant illegality': What to know Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the US-Israel war in Iran a "flagrant illegality.” Israel
Analysis Why Turkey’s exclusion from Gaza force may be a strategic blessing By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Israeli soldier kills Palestinian teen in West Bank clash Teenager Zaid Qaysia was killed during clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian residents of the Al-Fawar refugee camp Wednesday morning. Palestine
Gaza municipalities suspend services amid coronavirus crisis Municipalities in the Gaza Strip issued a decision to reduce some services provided to citizens in light of the coronavirus crisis. Palestine
How a jailhouse letter to Abbas could fast forward Palestinian unity talks It remains unclear whether tentative steps will lead to a genuine unification of the fractured Palestinian national movement. Palestine
Intel: Progressive coalition pushes Biden on Middle East policy More than 50 progressive advocacy groups on Monday sent a letter to former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, urging him to make concessions to the left on Middle East policy. Palestine
Israeli soldier killed by rock in West Bank raid An Israeli soldier was killed during a pre-dawn raid near Jenin when a large rock was dropped on his head, the first IDF death during military operations this year. Palestine
Why is Egypt building more walls around Gaza? Although Hamas has taken several measures to boost security on the border with Egypt and prevent any attempt to infiltrate into the Egyptian territory, Egypt continues to build walls and destroy the tunnels. Palestine
Will EU sanction Israel over annexation plans? European Union foreign ministers might consider threatening Israel with sanctions, in an effort to thwart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank. Palestine
UN calls on Israel to release Palestinian children from jails amid coronavirus Three UN officials urge Israeli authorities to free detained Palestinian children to protect them from COVID-19. Palestine
Poll: Most Israeli Jews support annexing parts of West Bank The poll for April from the Israel Democracy Institute found differing opinions between the left and right and Jewish and Arab Israelis. Palestine
Intel: Amid US funding gap, UN Palestinian refugee agency seeks $93M in coronavirus aid As the coronavirus continues its spread through the impoverished West Bank and Gaza Strip, the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians is seeking emergency funding to help with what it calls the worst financial crisis in the organization’s 70-year history. Palestine
Israel expands settlement projects around Hebron’s mosque Israel has approved a project near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in another step toward annexation. Palestine
Netanyahu’s future coalition, without the settlers? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got the recommendation of 72 Knesset members for him to form and lead Israel’s next government, but the list does not include the signatures of his allies from the Yamina party. Palestine
