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
World leaders react to Israel-Hamas cease-fire, pledge to rebuild In a White House address, President Joe Biden pledged to rally international support for reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Iraqis flood streets in support of Palestinians A massive protest called by a popular cleric and a conference planned by a political alliance linked to Shiite armed factions bear witness to widespread Iraqi support for the Palestinian cause. Iraq
Biden pledges to rebuild Gaza, resupply Israel’s Iron Dome Biden praises US role in bringing about the cease-fire. United States
Are Palestinians gaining in court of world opinion? Independent observers have noticed a marked difference in public attitudes around the world and especially in the United States regarding the latest violent escalation in Palestine and Israel, changes connected to timing, messaging and the platforms carrying those messages. Palestine
Top Republicans ask Biden to stand by recent US weapons sale to Israel. Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution to block the Biden administration's sale of precision weapons to Israel, prompting the top Republicans on the House and Senate foreign relations committees to respond. United States
UN chief calls for cease-fire to end 'hell on earth' for Gaza's children UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Israel and Hamas to allow for mediation efforts to end the worsening conflict. Israel
German, Czech and Slovak foreign ministers arrive in Israel in show of solidarity After their solidarity visit to Israel earlier this week, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek, Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok and German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass visited the site of a building ravaged by Hamas rockets. Israel
Hamas sees possible cease-fire with Israel within days Israel rejected a prior truce offer, though the White House blamed Hamas. News Brief
House Democrats move to block Israel arms sale amid Gaza conflict The gesture underscores a groundswell of opposition to Israel's policies among progressive lawmakers. United States
50 Gaza schools damaged in Israeli strikes, Save The Children says Amid the heavy fighting, schools remain closed in Gaza and southern Israel “putting education out of reach for hundreds of thousands of children." Israel
US expects 'significant de-escalation today,' Biden tells Netanyahu As President Joe Biden appealed for calm, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday there was no timeframe for ending the conflict with Hamas. Israel
Egypt pledges $500 million for Gaza's reconstruction Cairo, which is leading efforts to reach a cease-fire in the week-long conflict between Hamas and Israel, has pledged to help rebuild the battered Palestinian enclave. Egypt
