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
Israel-Gaza border heats up despite agreement on Qatari aid The day after Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced an agreement had been reached on getting Qatari aid into Gaza, Palestinians stormed the security fence and seriously wounded an Israeli soldier. Israel
Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Human Rights Watch report on conduct of war Palestinian resistance factions dispute charge of "indiscriminate attacks" on Israeli civilians. Palestine
Egypt closes Gaza's Rafah crossing after weekend clashes Beginning Monday, the Egyptian-controlled border crossing with Gaza will be closed in both directions, a Hamas spokesperson said. Egypt
Gaza man builds race car with rudimentary tools Despite the stifling blockade on the Gaza Strip, a man from Gaza managed to manufacture a single-seat sand race car in his small shop using rudimentary tools and secondhand spare parts. Palestine
Will the Taliban welcome al-Qaeda back to Afghanistan? Afghanistan's economy is hanging by a thread; Iran makes the best of the Taliban; the "resistance" finds inspiration; five must reads on Afghanistan. Iran
Hamas welcomes Israel-Qatar deal on Gaza aid Hamas, which had threatened increased violence over the stalled aid payments, said it "appreciated" the Qatari deal with Israel. News Brief
Democrats urge US to press Egypt, Israel on Gaza border restrictions A letter signed by 53 House Democrats described the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as "untenable." Palestine
Ahead of Bennett’s visit to Washington, Israel tightens cooperation with Egypt The invitation to visit Cairo and the agreement over the transfer of Qatari money to Gaza are important milestones for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ahead of his visit to the White House. Israel
Amputee receives first smart prosthetic limb in Gaza The first electronic prosthetic hand for a patient with the right hand amputated was recently carried out in the Gaza Strip with Qatari funding and support. Palestine
Israel, Qatar reach deal on resumed cash payments to Gaza Families in the Gaza Strip will again receive monthly cash payments that were frozen in the wake of Israel's 11-day conflict with Hamas. Israel
Hamas leads gradual escalation against Israel in protest against economic restrictions Hamas and other Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza have informed Egypt that they are considering resuming marches and demonstrations along the border with Israel. Palestine
Gaza graffiti combines conflict, despair and hope for Palestinians Graffiti artists in the Gaza Strip are painting murals across the besieged enclave after the latest Israeli war to send a different kind of message to the world. Palestine
