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
Gaza's few Christians lift economy Gaza’s very small Christian community has been a strong force for the economy. Palestine
Palestinian family refuses $5 million offer by settlers for Sheikh Jarrah home A Palestinian family in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, which faces daily harassment and attacks by settlers, was offered $5 million to vacate their home, so that settlers can move in. Palestine
Black Gaza artists fight racism with music Black Palestinians in the Gaza Strip still suffer racism, but the artistic community has a musical response. Culture
Israel’s security wall makes Gazans feel imprisoned For the 2 million Palestinians who have been living in a tight siege in Gaza since 2006, Israel's new high-tech separation wall has turned the enclave into the world’s largest open-air prison. Palestine
Israel to allow Gazan Christians into Bethlehem for Christmas Israeli announced that about 500 permits will be available to Gaza's 1,000 Christians to enter Israel and the West Bank for Christmas celebrations. Palestine
Many female candidates' faces hidden as West Bank votes During campaigning for the local council elections in the West Bank, the photos of many female candidates were withheld. Palestine
Fatah wins small victory in Palestinian local elections The slight victory of candidates supporting Fatah in the local council elections appear to have boosted the morale of the Palestinian leadership and opened the door for elections in major cities. Will the Hamas leadership agree to that in Gaza? Palestine
Qatar, Israel reach agreement on diamond trade Qatar is not part to the Abraham Accords for normalizing ties with Israel, but this did not prevent it from reaching a bilateral agreement with Israel on the trade of diamonds. Israel
Gaza wine: from international brand to punishable crime As the Christian holidays and New Year’s celebrations draw near and put some in the mood for a glass of wine, how are the preparations looking under Hamas in the Gaza Strip with both Muslims and Christians celebrating these holidays? Palestine
Hamas slams Egypt for botched mediation, delayed reconstruction Six months after truce was declared, Hamas leaders say Egypt is deliberately stalling and siding with Israel to delay aid to the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Israeli foreign minister meets Egyptian president in Cairo Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in another sign of strengthening bilateral ties. Israel
Israel scrambles to deal with spike in violence in Jerusalem An Israeli woman was stabbed yesterday in Jerusalem, in another violent incident perpetrated by a Palestinian. Israel
