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
Egypt’s role in Gaza conflict helps Sisi break ice with Biden President Joe Biden called his Egyptian counterpart as Egypt led back channel negotiations to mediate a cease-fire that ended the Israeli-Hamas escalation. Egypt hopes the call represents a turnaround in US ties and support for Nile Dam dispute. Egypt
Blinken announces US aid to Gaza, says Hamas won't benefit Secretary of State Antony Blinken also said the US will move to reopen the US Consulate in Jerusalem, which served as a de facto American embassy for the Palestinians before it was shuttered by the prior administration. Israel
Will PLO and Hamas find common ground? Hamas’ popularity has risen sharply, but this doesn’t help them much with the outside world. An understanding with Fatah is key to any potential role in regional diplomacy. Palestine
The heavy toll of Israel-Hamas war, by the numbers A look at the destruction wrought by more than a week of fighting between Hamas and Israel. News Brief
Moroccan PM congratulates Hamas for 'victory' against Israel Saadeddine Othmani's support for the Palestinians during the recent conflict with Israel followed Morocco and Israel agreeing to normalize relations late last year. Morocco
Blinken visits Middle East to bolster Israel-Hamas cease-fire Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Jerusalem, Ramallah, Cairo and Amman this week for discussions on maintaining the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Israel
Israeli-Palestinian conflict forces Biden to put Mideast on agenda Egyptian and Palestinian Authority leaders are back at center stage of US regional diplomacy. Israel
A ‘new level of force’: Netanyahu warns against further Hamas attacks “If Hamas thinks we will tolerate a drizzle of rockets, it is wrong,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the cease-fire took effect. Israel
Did Iran instigate latest Gaza escalation? Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip deny reports that Iran pushed for the latest round of escalation, despite Tehran's close ties to both Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Palestine
Cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian factions enters into force The cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip entered into force at 2 a.m. May 21, ending a round of fighting that lasted 11 days, claimed the lives of more than 240 people and destroyed many properties. Palestine
Why Egypt is lending its support to the Palestinians Egypt's support for the Palestinians in the latest conflict — in which Cairo helped broker a cease-fire — has drawn attention among observers who see it as a policy shift. Egypt
Israel-Hamas conflict exposes Turkey’s irrelevance in region Turkey’s apparent exclusion from cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas shows President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s foreign policy is in tatters. Turkey
