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
For faith or money: Why Gazans are eager to perform umrah Many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip leave the coastal enclave on a pilgrimage trip to Saudi Arabia and never come back. Saudi Arabia
How Qatar's grant to Gaza gives Israel leverage Israel is reducing the number of beneficiaries of a Qatari cash grant in the Gaza Strip intended to help the needy. Qatar
Is Qatari money to Gaza falling into Hamas operatives' hands? Despite Israeli claims that it strictly controls the distribution of Qatari financial assistance transferred to Gaza, some of the funds appear to be ending up in the hands of Hamas operatives through "commissions," deceit and "protection money." Qatar
Netanyahu adds radical-right politician to Security Cabinet On the backdrop of tensions in Gaza, the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to include Knesset member Bezalel Smotrich in the Security Cabinet could turn into a disaster. Palestine
Gazans get VIP treatment at Egyptian border An Egyptian travel agency has launched a new paid VIP travel service for Gazans who wish to use the Rafah border crossing hassle-free. Palestine
Plenty of fish in Gaza sea, but not for Palestinians Israel has imposed a full naval closure on the Gaza Strip after repeatedly expanding and reducing the fishing zone for the past two months, claiming the measure is in response to incendiary balloons launched from the besieged enclave. Palestine
Islamic Jihad mulls military action to foil US peace plan As the United States gets closer to officially revealing details of its Middle East peace plan, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad says it and its allies are ready to do whatever is necessary to stop the lopsided deal. Palestine
Will Hamas rockets upstage the Bahrain conference? On the backdrop of the upcoming economic conference in Bahrain and as arrangement with Israel is delayed, Hamas opts for more escalation. Palestine
Gaza escalation; a prelude to Hamas-Israel war? The Israeli army has adopted a new approach vis-a-vis Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, with retaliation against rocket fire and targeted killings. Palestine
New app assesses Islamic preachers in Gaza Gaza’s Ministry of Religious Endowments launched a smartphone app allowing worshippers to assess preachers and find out in which mosque they will be delivering Friday sermons across the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Israeli holidays delay deal to reopen Gaza border crossings Although Israel quickly reversed its decision to stop trucks from entering the Gaza Strip, the delay is shrinking already-strained supplies of essential fuel. Palestine
Will PA take over Gaza crossings again? The Palestinian Authority has recently asked Egypt to take over the Gaza crossings once again in what officials say is aimed at controlling the projects to be developed under the truce between Hamas and Israel. Palestine
