'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
Palestinian women entrepreneurs compete for professional assistance The Ministry of National Economy in the West Bank recently launched a competition targeting women working in the food industry in order to encourage their efforts and support national products. Palestine
Netanyahu’s diplomacy: success or failure? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presents himself as a diplomatic magician, though he is accumulating failures on Syria, Iran and ties with Gulf states. Saudi Arabia
How this youth band from Gaza helps other musicians Gaza's Sol Band makes its voice heard in concerts and on the internet, but an album just needs to wait. Palestine
Hamas takes control of second Gaza Strip border crossing Palestinian Authority employees claim Hamas forced them to turn over supervision of the Kerem Shalom crossing in Gaza, but Hamas says the workers left because they didn't want to comply with security inspections Hamas imposed. Palestine
Israeli Arabs engaging in electoral campaign The merger of the Hadash and Ta’al parties reflects growing willingness within the Israeli Arab population to become a meaningful part of Israel’s society and electoral map. Palestine
Gazans reluctant to import from Egypt despite Hamas’ encouragement Although Hamas reduced fees imposed on goods entering the Gaza Strip, it seems local traders are hesitant to import from Egypt, which imposes high fees on traded products. Palestine
Abbas trying to build countermovement to the US Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recently called on the African Union to supervise the upcoming legislative elections, while also calling for an international peace conference, which is seen as a move away from the US administration in sponsoring peace talks with Israel. Palestine
Why can't Palestinian Authority criticize Riyadh? The Palestinian Authority is confident that Riyadh is committed to the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution, and is reluctant to voice any stance that would cause Ramallah to lose Riyadh’s political and financial support. Saudi Arabia
Hamas, Israel fight intelligence war In light of ongoing investigations with suspected collaborators with Israel, Hamas’ security forces have managed to seize tracking chips Israel allegedly tried to smuggle into the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Gaza hospitals on brink of collapse Hamas sent another incendiary balloon toward Israel this week, though the Gaza Strip could under no circumstances take another confrontation with the Israel Defense Forces. Palestine
New Aqsa council gives Palestinians greater control in Jerusalem Jerusalemites have publicly welcomed the new Islamic Waqf Council as a leadership vehicle that will allow them to forge ahead with a clear and implementable strategy for Jerusalem and its holy places. Palestine
The PLO is counting its expatriates The PLO is launching a comprehensive census of Palestinian expatriates to obtain a qualitative database. Palestine
