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
How Hamas’ observation units operate on Gaza border Israel has recently revealed details about Hamas’ observation posts erected along the Gaza border to monitor Israeli movements. Palestine
PA seeks Israeli left's support to challenge US peace plan Despite the public's ire, the Palestinian Authority has been meeting with members of the Israeli media and the sympathetic left to boost Israeli opposition to the US peace plan ahead of the March 2 Knesset elections. Palestine
What is wrong with Israel’s policy toward Gaza? Lacking any real policy on the Gaza Strip, Israel keeps imposing and then easing restrictions on the suffering of Gaza residents. Palestine
Countries fire allegations of interference against Dahlan Fatah’s dismissed leader, Mohammed Dahlan, is facing accusations from Turkey and other countries that he's been meddling in their affairs on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates
Egypt may find Gaza more appealing without Haniyeh Although tensions between the Egyptian authorities and Hamas were expected to escalate amid reports that Egypt had banned Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh from returning to Egypt and subsequently to Gaza, Egyptian analysts expect relations to be more relaxed in Haniyeh's absence. Qatar
Netanyahu honeymoons with Hamas, expects quiet in return Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has quietly made a number of significant concessions to Hamas to buy some quiet until the March 2 elections in Israel. Palestine
Hamas, Fatah trade blame for holdup on Gaza meeting Fatah and Hamas are accusing each other of delaying the PLO delegation visit to Gaza aimed at countering the US Mideast peace plan. Palestine
Another UN step underscoring illegality of Israeli settlements The Palestinians are banking on the newly released UN list of businesses operating in the Israeli settlements to bring those businesses before the judiciary and pressure them to end activities in the settlements. Palestine
Hamas failing to rally West Bank against US peace plan Security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is the main obstacle to Hamas’ efforts to mobilize armed resistance in the West Bank after the unveiling of the US peace plan. Palestine
Palestinian-Israeli agriculture exchange hits a snag The normal exchange of agriculture and animal goods between Israel and Palestine has hit a snag, causing economic and social interruptions and possibly pushing Palestinians to become less dependent on Israel. Palestine
How will the PA face its declining popularity? It remains to be seen whether the attitudes of Palestinians on managing the conflict with Israel and the increased popular support for the armed struggle push Hamas to encourage military resistance. Palestine
Jordan stands firm against Trump deal despite risks to ties There are growing concerns that Jordan’s defiance toward the US peace plan for the Middle East could affect its strategic ties with the United States. Palestine
