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
Gaza war takes center stage in Israel's election campaign With former military chief of staff Benny Gantz soaring in pre-election polls, the conduct and results of Operation Protective Edge, the 2014 military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, is back on the public agenda. Palestine
Israel erects underground, underwater barriers to thwart Hamas attacks Israel’s sea and land barriers were built to stave off Hamas attacks and prevent tunnels from being dug. Palestine
Egypt closes crossing to Gaza as Abbas tightens noose The Palestinian Authority's latest action in the Gaza Strip is expected to worsen conditions for the already suffering Palestinians in Gaza. Palestine
Abbas attacks Netanyahu for letting Qatari funds into Gaza Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel is aiding attacks on its own people by acting as a conduit for money to reach Hamas. Qatar
Will Palestinians get caught in Israeli election cross fire? Palestinians will be closely following the run-up to Israeli elections in April, as many are already debating the possibility of a politically motivated attack on Gaza to drum up right-wing votes. Palestine
Is Qatar's Gaza airport plan a step too far? Qatar’s ambassador to the Palestinian territories recently revealed that he has discussed with Israel the idea of building an airport in besieged Gaza. Qatar
Despite protocol against death penalty, Gaza sentences six more to death A military court in the Gaza Strip sentenced six civilians to death over charges of collaborating with Israel, despite Palestine recently signing a UN protocol advocating the abolition of the death penalty. Palestine
Will Iran ask Hamas to ignite Gaza front in support of Hezbollah? The recent Israeli operation to expose Hezbollah’s tunnels on the Lebanese border raised questions about Iran-backed Hamas’ exposure should Tehran request it to open a second front against Israel in the event of an Israeli-Hezbollah confrontation. Palestine
Price changes for cooking gas puts heat on Gaza distributors The Ministry of Finance in the Gaza Strip unilaterally decided to float the price of cooking gas, setting a new economic precedent. Palestine
Israel tests waters for truce talks with return of Gaza fishing boats Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip have recovered the boats that Israel had confiscated years earlier — but is this development political rather than judicial? Palestine
Does PA want to share Russian support with Hamas? It seems Russia is taking its time before translating its support to the Palestinians into real policymaking on the ground. Palestine
Does PA anti-terror plan aim to strangle Hamas financially? The Palestinian government says it recently approved the National Strategy for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing in a bid to protect the economy, but many believe the step targets Hamas directly. Palestine
