'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
Former PM returns to the spotlight in Palestine With no details revealed about a meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Palestinians filled the void with speculation and hopes posted to social media that Fayyad might one day head a unity government. Palestine
Is Riyadh really pushing for control of Jerusalem holy sites? Saudi Arabia is boosting its efforts to take over Jordan's administration of Jerusalem's holy sites, and many think the pressure is coming from Saudi efforts to drum up support for the US peace plan for the Mideast. Saudi Arabia
Is Israel going easy on Hamas? Israel plays it safe in Gaza while giving priority to its northern border; Hamas looking for a friend in Moscow; Israel’s nuclear ambiguity. Palestine
Israel tightens financial noose on Gaza Israel recently designated a Gaza currency exchange company a terror organization, raising concerns among local bankers and business owners about who might be next. Palestine
Trump, Putin both want piece of Middle East peace talks Russia and the United States can each bring advantages to the Mideast peace negotiating table, but neither is likely to solve all the issues without the other's cooperation. Palestine
Netanyahu faces international scrutiny on Jerusalem In his meeting with the UK’s Prince William, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided the issue of the prince’s refusal to meet with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in his municipality office. Palestine
Hamas courtship of Russia could lead to win-win romance A Hamas delegation recently visited Moscow to discuss various issues, ranging from the anticipated US peace plan to Moscow possibly brokering a Palestinian reconciliation. Palestine
Palestinians condemn Trump's proposed peace plan Fatah has come out swinging against what it says is the US administration’s unilateral effort to impose a Mideast peace plan that greatly favors Israel. Palestine
Hamas-Fatah feud heats up as talk of Abbas successor intensifies Hamas members of parliament fear that the Palestinian Central Council will try to withdraw some of the powers of the Palestinian Legislative Council. Palestine
Is Israel's justice minister determined to undermine the judicial system? Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked's proposal to let Israeli ministries select their own legal advisers reflects an alarmingly undemocratic political trend. Palestine
Is IDF letting Hamas dictate rules of game? Since Israel fears engaging in another Gaza war, it is reluctant to respond by force against Hamas provocations. Palestine
Palestinians applaud Erdogan win, pin hopes on Turkey Palestinians hope Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will cut ties with Israel and focus even more on their cause. Palestine
