'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
Is Fatah pressuring Palestinian parties to form Shtayyeh's government? Members of the Palestinian Democratic Union Party and the Palestinian People's Party submitted their resignation following the decision of their parties to participate in the new Palestinian government. Palestine
Netanyahu’s ‘Annexation for Immunity’ formula Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to get immunity in exchange for his willingness to annex West Bank settlements. Palestine
Funding cuts to Palestinians take toll on independent media Independent Palestinian media outlets, especially TV channels, are folding due to financial difficulties stemming from reduced or canceled funding typically received by Palestinian nongovernmental organizations. Palestine
Is Gaza set to break sexual harassment taboo? Activists from the conservative Gaza Strip recently launched the #MeTooGaza hashtag on social media to encourage sexual harassment victims to talk about their experiences and share their stories. Palestine
Trump paves way for Israel to expand settlements in Golan Shortly after US President Donald Trump decided to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, Israel announced a plan to build 30,000 new housing units for settlers in the area. Palestine
Palestinian Authority wary of Hamas intentions toward the US The idea that Hamas could deal directly with Washington stirs the Palestinian Authority’s fear of being replaced by the movement. Palestine
Will Hamas be partner to Trump’s Mideast plan? Some see recent Israeli moves involving Gaza as part of a chess match having to do with President Donald Trump's reported "deal of the century" peace plan. Qatar
Peace and democracy losers in Israel’s 2019 elections The major losers of the 2019 elections are clear before a single ballot is cast: peace with the Palestinians and the Arab world, public trust in the institutions of government, freedom from religion, and co-existence between Jews and Arabs. Palestine
As US peace plan rollout approaches, Palestinians voice rejection Even before the long-touted US Middle East peace plan is announced, Palestinian officials have already rejected the deal, saying it will inevitably favor Israel. Palestine
New government stresses unity, yet ostracizes Hamas Palestinian prime minister-designate Mohammad Shtayyeh is gearing up to form and head a new Palestinian government after having met with different factions. Will he be able to pull it off? Palestine
Gaza fishermen hope for new start with expanded zone Palestinians are pleased with the Israeli army's decision to expand the Gaza Strip fishing zone, though fishermen there still have to recover from years of hardship that have taken their toll. Palestine
How Israeli minister pushed Palestinian prisoners to hunger strike Seniors at the Israel Prison Service warned Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan not to harshen conditions of the Palestinian prisoners or jam phone signals in jail, but he refused to listen. Palestine
