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
Gestures toward Palestinians leave Bennett in bind With his rightwing base on the one side, the Biden administration and his coalition partners on the other, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place on bettering the lives of Palestinians. Israel
Will popular pressure in Gaza lead to new clashes with Israel? Palestinian youth are carrying out non-military activities, backed by military factions in Gaza, to pressure Israel to lift the siege, among other demands. Palestine
The Takeaway: Iranian foreign policy under Raisi takes shape Also: Shapiro appointment welcomed in Israel; Gantz meeting doesn’t help Abbas’ popularity; "Saudization" of labor gets slow start; Turkey’s targeted killings in Syria; Sextortion in Egypt; More … in about 1,300 words. Iran
Israel announces 'civil steps' to alleviate conditions in Gaza Israel says the measures are dependent on "preservation of security" and follow the announcement of $155 million to the Palestinian Authority. Israel
Israel expands Gaza fishing zone after demonstrations Along with several other humanitarian gestures, Israel announced it would expand the offshore fishing zone by 15 nautical miles. Israel
Gazans fear worst after Hamas bans water wells The Hamas-affiliated Water and Environmental Quality Authority to ban the digging of wells without a license, as many Gazans suffer from a lack of potable water. Palestine
Gantz announces $155M loan for PA following Abbas meeting Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and PA President Mahmoud Abbas held rare face-to-face talks in Ramallah on Aug. 29. Israel
Gaza creates tourism police force The Interior Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip is establishing a police force to protect tourist and hotel facilities after threats and attacks against some of those facilities by militants against the backdrop of holding mixed-gender concerts. Palestine
Israel permits additional goods to enter Gaza Israel's military liaison to the Palestinian sides announced that more goods and Palestinian workers will be allowed entry. Israel
Palestinian dies from Israeli fire during Gaza border clashes Some 40 Palestinians were injured when Israeli troops fired on a crowd of protesters attempting to breach the Gaza perimeter fence. Palestine
Gazan shares realities of poverty via TikTok A young man from Gaza is using social media to shed light on the poverty and difficult living conditions of many residents in the besieged enclave amid the lack of action from Palestinian authorities. Palestine
Israeli strikes on Gaza towers may amount to war crimes, HRW says During the 11-day conflict with Hamas, Israeli airstrikes destroyed five high-rise towers in Gaza City that the Israeli military said were used by the militants. Israel
