'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
Hamas shifts West Bank strategy Desperate Hamas has changed its strategy and is now increasing its involvement in planning terror attacks against Israelis in the West Bank. Palestine
Fearing aid slash, PA to collect more customs duties The Palestinian Ministry of Finance is increasing customs duties on a range of goods, allegedly to protect local production, in light of a budget deficit of $1.07 billion in 2017 and threats of a drop in international aid to the PA. Palestine
Israeli nationalists' messiah complex The political leaders of Israel's settler sector are abusing Judaism, a dangerous weapon in irresponsible hands. Palestine
Abbas' security coordination challenge The Palestinian Central Council called for ending security coordination with Israel in response to the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, but it is a move the Palestinian leadership can hardly afford to make. Palestine
Women start filling up tanks at Gaza gas station Marking a first in the Gaza Strip, a gas station manager is employing women despite the criticism. Palestine
Israel dismisses Abbas' threats to end security coordination Israeli sources estimate that by delivering a fiery speech before the Palestinian Central Council in which he promised to cut security coordination with Israel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cornered himself with promises to his people that he cannot fulfill. Palestine
Defiant Palestinians boycott US projects, products US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has prompted various Palestinian boycotts of US-funded projects and programs. Palestine
Netanyahu’s shortsighted Mideast policy Israel prefers to ignore the changes surrounding it, such as threats by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to cancel the Oslo Accord and Iran’s change of stance on the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestine
Abbas lifts Gaza tax exemption, threatening further economic woes After taking over administrative control of the Gaza Strip, President Mahmoud Abbas has abolished tax exemptions in a bid to get more revenue from Gaza to balance expenses, disregarding the harsh economic conditions in the besieged enclave. Palestine
Jordan tones down rhetoric in response to US move against UNRWA Amid US threats to cut funding for UNRWA, Jordan appears to have opted for quiet diplomatic engagement with the United States rather than a confrontational approach. Palestine
Israeli settlers use cemeteries to gain foothold on land The decision to bury terror victim Rabbi Raziel Shevach in the unauthorized West Bank outpost where he lived serves the settlers’ agenda of establishing facts on the ground. Palestine
The Palestinian village with only three residents While all of the inhabitants of the town of Shoshahla left under Israeli threats, three people have returned and continue to cling to their land and refuse to leave a second time. Palestine
