Israel's Netanyahu suing New York Times over column on Palestinian rape Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof's accusations of systematic sexual abuse and rape of Palestinian prisoners, calling the claims a "blood libel." United States
Newsletter: Palestine Palestine elections chief: Vote ‘transparent’ despite war, restrictions In an exclusive interview, Rami Hamdallah defended the transparency of recent Palestinian local elections while outlining the political and logistical barriers to voting in Gaza and East Jerusalem. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
Feature Gazans show cautious hope ahead of first local elections in 20 years The city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza is set to hold municipal elections for the first time in nearly two decades. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Analysis On eve of Palestinian local elections, competition in short supply By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
Movement for PLO reform faces opposition from Ramallah leadership Players from the Palestinian diaspora and elsewhere are pushing hard for reforms to the Palestine Liberation Organization, causing enough of a stir that President Mahmoud Abbas appears to be worried. Palestine
Hamas submits Gaza cease-fire response to Qatar, Egypt Hamas' formal reply comes a day after the UN Security Council passed a resolution backing the three-phase proposal. Palestine
Pentagon says Gaza aid pier had no link to Israeli hostage raid Unfounded claims that the United States or Israeli military used the Gaza aid pier for a raid that killed more than 200 Palestinians could put humanitarian aid workers in danger. Palestine
Barclays plays down Israel military links as protesters target branches More than 15 branches of the bank across England and Scotland were found with windows smashed and red paint daubed over the buildings as part of a protest calling on the bank to divest from arms companies that sell to Israel as well as from fossil fuel businesses. Palestine
In Egypt, displaced Gazans organize in grassroots movements Despite a precarious life without rights or financial resources, displaced Gazans in Egypt are organizing themselves into grassroots movements to respond to community needs and send humanitarian aid to Gaza. Egypt
Analysis Pressure builds on Netanyahu, Sinwar for Gaza cease-fire Pressure is escalating on the Israeli premier, who wants to avoid a decision on peace deal and stay in power, yet recent statements by the Hamas leader are giving him space. By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
Fatah wants Hamas to join PLO: Official Fatah and Hamas will resume their reconciliation talks in China soon, but disagreements remain between the two groups. Palestine
Could Gaza cease-fire prevent wider regional war? As the United States rallies international pressure on Hamas to accept a cease-fire proposal in hopes of ending the Gaza war, Israel and Hezbollah are launching increasingly provocative strikes across Lebanon’s border. Palestine
US sanctions Palestinian Lion's Den armed group in West Bank The group emerged in 2022 amid an uptick of violence between Palestinians and settlers in Nablus Israel
CIA chief heads to Qatar, McGurk to Egypt as US presses for Gaza deal Biden's top Middle East adviser and CIA Director Bill Burns are leading a last-ditch effort to pressure Hamas to take the first step toward ending the Gaza war. Palestine
As US downplays cease-fire gap with Israel, Biden urges Qatar to secure Hamas approval The Biden administration is projecting confidence that Israeli leaders will follow through with the latest three-phase cease-fire plan, despite unresolved sticking points that burdened previous negotiations. Israel
