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
CIA Chief Burns meets with Egypt's Sisi The pair discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the crisis in Libya, according to the Egyptian presidency. Egypt
Human Rights Watch accuses Gaza groups of war crimes during May fighting Hamas and other Palestinian groups purposefully targeted population centers during the May war with Israel, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization also accused Israel of war crimes last month. News Brief
Gaza resort attacked for holding mixed-gender concert A group of masked men bombed a tourist resort in the Gaza Strip for holding a concert for both men and women, which raises questions on whether fundamentalists are once again gaining the upper hand in the coastal enclave. Palestine
Domestic tourism thrives in Gaza Local travel companies, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, are organizing trips for Gazans to discover the many hidden archaeological sites spread across the besieged enclave. Palestine
Artistic, musical events bring some joy to grief-stricken Gaza Touristic establishments in the Gaza Strip are slowly regaining life with more local singers holding music events amid the ongoing Israeli siege and the difficult economic conditions. Palestine
Palestinian municipal employee killed by Israeli gunfire in contentious West Bank town Beita has been the site of regular protests against an unsanctioned Israeli settler outpost in the area. Palestine
The Takeaway: Erdogan weighs risks of Afghan mission against benefits for US ties Also: Gulf airline race takes off; Islamic State steps up Iraq attacks; Fortnite fatwa riles Egyptian gamers; is Israel’s army too small?; child beggars in Gaza’s cemeteries; Iraq unearths 4,000 year old city; and more! All in only about 1,500 words. Turkey
Gazan children wander cemeteries for pennies The harsh economic conditions in the Gaza Strip has led to an increase of child beggars in cemeteries. Palestine
Report raises cost of Gaza's recovery to $485M A report from the World Bank, United Nations and European Union found that the 11-day conflict caused between $290 and $380 million in physical damages alone to the Palestinian enclave. Palestine
Israel, Hamas edge toward agreement on mechanism for Qatari aid money Talks on prisoner exchange and border restrictions complicated by Hamas resumption of incendiary balloon attacks. Israel
Italians build Gaza’s largest sports park The Gaza Strip will have a huge recreational sports project, which includes one of the largest skateboard tracks in the Middle East. Palestine
Yoga for Gaza paramedics raises controversy A social club in Gaza has organized a one-time event to give a yoga session for paramedics who suffered psychological trauma during the latest Israel escalation. Palestine
