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
The electoral politics of Trump's peace and propaganda in Israel The Trump administration peace plan ignores the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet, the road map for peace, and foremost a true quest for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Palestine
Hamas resumes explosive-laden balloons launched at Israel Hamas has resumed incendiary balloons flown across the border to pressure Israel to execute the truce understandings after a month of calm since Hamas halted its weekly protests along the Israeli-Gaza border. Palestine
Trump 'deal of the century' still no deal for Palestinians With the unveiling of the Donald Trump administration's peace plan, Palestinian leaders have reiterate their categorical rejection of it, certain that it fulfills none of their demands toward statehood. Palestine
Gaza men choose family councils but keep women out There have been no elections in Gaza since 2006, but family groupings in the enclave have started holding votes for a leader and board to administer family affairs. Palestine
Will Palestinian central bank, currency ever see light of day? A Palestinian central bank has been a long time in the making, and if Israel reacts as expected, it could be even longer before the institution becomes a reality. Palestine
New business council to provide network, funds for Rafah's budding businesswomen Palestinian women have started small businesses to make ends meet, but a new council aims to lead them to fields such as electronics or high-end products. Palestine
Hamas says rise in arrests is related to coming elections Fatah and Hamas are exchanging accusations about arrests of their members in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with each side claiming the other is trying to influence elections that haven't even been scheduled yet. Palestine
Israel’s Gantz steers away from Arab voters, seeks soft-right Blue and White leader Benny Gantz does not realize that if he wants to be prime minister, he will need a high voting rate among the country’s Arab citizens. Palestine
Gaza developments portend military escalation with Israel Israel's political impasse is expected to affect the Palestinians' situation in the Gaza Strip, and Israeli intelligence believes new military confrontations will erupt as the security and humanitarian situation there continues to deteriorate. Palestine
How strong is Israel’s democracy? Israeli society must let elected Arab Knesset members speak up, even if what they say angers most Israeli Jews and destabilizes consensus. Palestine
Israel’s Gantz shifts stance, supports early publication of peace plan The Blue and White leadership has changed its strategy and is now welcoming an early publication of the Donald Trump administration's peace plan. Palestine
Hamas releases Gaza comedian after public outrage Adel al-Mashwakhi left Gaza after his arrest and release in 2017 over a satirical video, but Hamas lured him back to Gaza years later, only to arrest and release him again. Palestine
