US rushes for Gaza cease-fire as clock ticks toward Ramadan

Negotiators are working to secure a temporary cease-fire that would delay Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah and free some of the remaining hostages.

Israel

US defense chief: Over 25,000 Palestinian women and children killed in Gaza

The Pentagon quickly walked back Austin’s comment. ‘We cannot independently verify these Gaza casualty figures,’ a US defense official said.

Palestine

As Palestinians head to Russia, Abbas ponders least bad option for PM

A large Palestinian delegation will head to Moscow this week to try and reach consensus on a postwar government that could include Hamas representatives in an expanded Palestine Liberation Organization.

Palestine

Yellen urges Israel to ease West Bank’s economic woes

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for Israel to reduce barriers to commerce in the West Bank and reinstate work permits for Palestinians that were revoked after Oct. 7.

Israel

Palestinian PM Shtayyeh resigns, paving way for technocratic government

Arabic media reports said Mohammad Mustafa, chairman of the board of the Palestine Investment Fund, is likely to be appointed by Abbas as the new prime minister.

Palestine

Analysis

As Hamas loosens its terms, can Biden pull Netanyahu toward deal?

Israel and Hamas appear to be narrowing on terms for a temporary cease-fire and prisoner exchange.

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

US changes tune on Gaza ‘cease-fire’ as Rafah fears grow

Under pressure internationally and from Democratic voters, the Biden administration has begun to call for a "temporary cease-fire" in Gaza.

Israel

Mossad, CIA, Qatar, Egypt reps to meet in Paris as Gaza deal talks advance

The Biden administration is hoping that a deal for the release of hostage and a temporary ceasefire could be reached before the start of Ramadan, March 10.

Israel

WHO says aid agencies can’t fill 'critical gaps' in Gaza left by UNRWA cuts

The World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean has warned that more cuts in funding to UNRWA would lead to "further catastrophic consequences for Gazans."

Palestine

WHO official: 'Never seen anything like' Rafah crisis in 30-year career

Richard Brennan, regional emergency director of the World Health Organization, told Al-Monitor that only three fully functioning hospitals are serving Gaza's population of 2.3 million people.

Palestine

Analysis

Can Netanyahu stop Ben-Gvir from restricting Al-Aqsa access during Ramadan?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caved in part to the demands of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir despite warnings by the security establishment against the appearance of an attack on religion.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US vetoes Gaza cease-fire resolution at UN Security Council

The United States blocked a Security Council resolution demanding “an immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas but offered its own draft calling for a “temporary” one.

Israel