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
Spain recalls Israel ambassador, calls Iran war 'flagrant illegality': What to know Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the US-Israel war in Iran a "flagrant illegality.” Israel
'No meaningful protection': Israel’s new Gaza aid rules raise data, security risks The guidelines expand Israeli authority to deny NGO registration in the Palestinian territories and visas for foreign aid workers as Gaza continues to reel from two years of war. 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
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
Egypt prepares for worst-case scenario as Israeli offensive in Rafah looms Recent reports indicate Egypt is constructing a fenced-in zone south of the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side in preparation for the exodus of Palestinians from Gaza. Egypt
Israeli troops raid Gaza's Nasser Hospital amid fears of imminent Rafah operation As Israel presses on with its Gaza offensive amid international calls for cease-fire, Israeli forces stormed a hospital in Khan Younis. Palestine
Abbas urges Hamas to complete Gaza deal with Israel as Palestinian reconciliation looms President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to speed up its agreement on a hostage deal with Israel to prevent more suffering in Gaza, as mediators scramble to secure a deal. Palestine
Israel moves Marwan Barghouti into separation prison amid soaring Palestinian tensions Controversial National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the imprisoned Fatah official was planning an uprising. Palestine
Who are Abbas' main Palestinian PM contenders after Gaza war? Postwar governance of Gaza is the focus of increased diplomatic outreach in the Arab world, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas having in recent days visited Qatar to get Hamas' buy-in on the makeup of a new Palestinian government. Palestine
85 journalists killed in Gaza war, deadliest for the press in 30 years The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the continued targeting of journalists in Gaza, coinciding with reports of Al Jazeera reporters sustaining serious injuries in an Israel strike in Rafah. Palestine
eSIMs offer connectivity lifeline for Gaza medics, journalists and residents Emergency workers in Gaza have struggled through communications blackouts, but Egyptian activists have provided temporary connectivity for some in need with thousands of eSIMs. Palestine
What does Saudi Arabia’s position on Palestinian state signal to US, Israel? The kingdom's statement released on Wednesday attempts to send multiple messages, some directed at Saudi Arabia's internal public opinion, others to the Biden administration and Netanyahu government. Legacy: Gulf
Blinken’s cease-fire shuttle diplomacy crashes in Israel ICYMI, Netanyahu has no interest in pausing war. Israel
Hamas reemerges in northern Gaza weeks after Israel said it's dismantled Hamas is firmly established in Palestinian society allowing it to continue to regroup after successive Israeli campaigns, as long as the conditions that allowed for its establishment in the first place continue to exist. Palestine
