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 With many races unopposed and rivals excluded, the vote underscores a calibrated effort to contain dissent and prioritize stability. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Analysis Why Netanyahu caved to Trump on Lebanon and what it means for Israel Israelis express anger that the prime minister's maneuvering to stay out of jail has allowed the US to once again "hijack" foreign policy and national security decision-making. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Analysis Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
US destroyer shoots down cruise missiles by Iran-backed Houthis Iran-backed factions appeared to break several months of detente with US forces in the Middle East this week by launching drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, Iraq and Syria amid Israel's war in Gaza, throwing the Pentagon's deterrence efforts into question. Syria
Sunak supports Israel, hails accord on Gaza humanitarian aid delivery British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed support of Israel’s right to self-defense and welcomed its agreeing to allow humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing. Israel
Gaza in 'unprecedented catastrophe': over 3,700 deaths, 1,524 are children Aid trucks are expected to start entering Gaza through the Rafah crossing after an agreement by the US and Egyptian presidents. Palestine
Netanyahu agrees to Biden’s request for humanitarian aid via Egypt After his meeting with US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war cabinet agreed to the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza, but only through the Rafah crossing in Egypt. Israel
US intelligence suggests Israel did not bomb Gaza hospital: sources Pentagon officials say independent US intelligence casts doubt on allegations the IDF bombed the al-Ahli hospital in northern Gaza, but cautioned that not all information is in yet. Israel
Pro-Gaza protests in Turkey target Israeli consulate, McDonald's As the bombing of a Gaza hospital sparked protests across Turkey, Israel has raised its travel warning to Turkey to the highest level. Turkey
Lebanon, Hezbollah hold 'day of rage' as US Embassy ups travel alert Several pro-Palestinian rallies took place across the country, with demonstrators heeding Hezbollah’s call for a "day of rage." Lebanon
In Israel, Biden says hospital blast appears done by 'other team' Upon his arrival in Israel, US President Biden said that the blast at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza appears to have been committed by the Palestinians, without naming Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Israel
Hezbollah calls for 'day of anger' as Biden heads to Israel, Gaza war rages Cross-border fire has been ongoing between Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and Israel in southern Lebanon since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last weekend. Lebanon
Europe’s leaders express solidarity in Israel as EU searches for consensus On a solidarity visit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it is his country's duty to protect the state and the people of Israel. Israel
France’s Macron denounces first Hamas video of French-Israeli Gaza hostage Hamas published a first video showing one of the hostages currently held in Gaza — French-Israeli Mia Shem. Israel
