'Apartheid': Arab countries including UAE, Jordan decry new Israeli law A group of foreign ministers struck out at a new Israeli law requiring the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism in military courts. Palestine
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
Analysis Why Turkey’s exclusion from Gaza force may be a strategic blessing By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Palestinians fear Israel moving to annex occupied West Bank The Israeli Likud Party says it wants to extend the powers of some Israeli ministries in West Bank settlements, which could set the stage for Israel to annex some parts of the Palestinian territories. Palestine
Seeking trade incentives, Palestinian businessmen develop economic ties with Israel Palestinian businessmen flout political taboos by meeting with Israelis for business. Palestine
Group to boost Palestinian economy, cut link to Israel The Palestinian prime minister is heading a new group designed to inject vitality into the economy and strengthen partnerships among the public, private and civil sectors. Palestine
US Bahrain conference premature The Bahrain conference demonstrates yet again the American lack of understanding of the region, and their mistaken belief that one could skip the Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic process. Bahrain
The PA moves forward in its disengagement from Israel The Palestinian government decided to appoint commercial attaches in the Palestinian embassies in a bid to promote national products abroad, which is seen as a step forward on the path of economic disengagement from Israel. Palestine
Hundreds of Israeli security experts warn of annexation dangers Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies are belittling hundreds of former security officials who warn that annexing West Bank lands would endanger Israel’s security. Palestine
Why Bahrain conference won’t be enough for peace The US-initiated Bahrain conference will bring little to the Palestinians without a real peace process with Israel. Bahrain
Contradictory moves to rescue Palestinian economy While the United States is pushing for an economic workshop to help Palestinians, the mood in Ramallah is defiant with ideas to build an alternative independent economy — a goal sought by the Shtayyeh government. Palestine
Palestine eyes agricultural boost The Palestine Investment Fund announced the creation of a company to invest in the agriculture sector in line with the government’s plan to boost local production and decrease dependence on Israel. Palestine
Palestinian workers might finally have labor courts to settle their cases The Palestinian Labor Ministry has agreed with the UN International Labor Organization to help establish competent courts to rule on employment and labor-related matters and disputes. Palestine
Can Palestinians survive PA's disengagement from Israel? The Palestinian Authority's announced goal of disengaging from Israel appears to be dismissive of the geo-political environment in which it is operating and the devastating consequences such a move will have for Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza. Saudi Arabia
Netanyahu’s dilemma: settlements versus immunity Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must deal with the problematic demand that he include reversing disengagement from the northern West Bank as part of a coalition agreement. Palestine
