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
Palestinian PM turns to Jordan first The Palestinian prime minister’s visit to Amman has given a boost to the potential that Jordan can provide a serious alternative to economic dependency on Israel. Palestine
Oman to open embassy in West Bank Oman recently decided to open an embassy in the Palestinian territories, and many Palestinians believe the step is aimed at silencing the Palestinian Authority in the wake of Oman’s relationship with Israel. Oman
Why Hamas changes strategy, privileges arrangement with Israel Hamas is not interested in a war with Israel, despite the attack tunnel recently discovered by the Israel Defense Forces. Palestine
Palestinians rally in response to Kuwaiti support Kuwait adopted an unparalleled pro-Palestinian stance by boycotting the US economic workshop in Manama and rejecting the economic plan preceding the introductions of the "deal of the century"; Kuwait's actions were hailed by Palestinians at both the official and popular levels. Bahrain
Will Palestinian private sector rescue national economy? Business owners are trying to launch an initiative to lend the financially struggling Palestinian Authority as much as $200 million, but this effort has yet to take shape. Palestine
Why is Hamas test-firing missiles? Hamas has recently intensified its test-firing of missiles in what experts say conveys a message to Israel whereby the movement is ready for war. Palestine
For faith or money: Why Gazans are eager to perform umrah Many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip leave the coastal enclave on a pilgrimage trip to Saudi Arabia and never come back. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian police on red alert over antiquities smuggling Palestinian police say the Israeli-controlled Area C is their weak spot in the battle against antiquities smuggling. Palestine
New Israeli pipeline makes its way to Gaza An Israeli water company has started working on extending a water pipeline from Israel to Gaza with Qatari funding. Palestine
Why is the Jordan Valley so important to Israel? Palestinians in the Jordan Valley face daily incursions and land grabs by the Israeli army and settlers, actions that aim to reinforce Israel's policy of maintaining control over the valley at any cost. Palestine
Israel bans Palestinian dairy, meat exports to East Jerusalem Israel has decided to ban Palestinian dairy and meat exports to East Jerusalem, which if the decision actually enters into force would result in the Palestinian government banning a number of Israeli firms from exporting their goods to the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Palestinian Authority woos Iraq, says Iran is no enemy Nabil Shaath, an adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, traveled to Iraq to galvanize Baghdad's support for the Palestinian cause and perhaps make new connections with Iran along the way. Bahrain
