Analysis Trump-Erdogan ties pay off for Turkey in 2025 as Ankara pushes for F-35s Leader-level diplomacy between Ankara and Washington produced selective gains but failed to break the deadlock over defense sanctions imposed for Turkey’s S-400 purchase. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
At Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu seeks Iran strike approval while Trump presses Gaza plan US President Donald Trump is expected to push Israel to enter the second phase of his Gaza peace plan, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will focus on securing Trump’s approval for a potential strike on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Israel
Analysis Gaza realities test Trump’s 2025 Middle East ambitions During its first year, the second Trump administration confronted wars in Gaza and Sudan, forged new ties with Syria and grappled with the growing nuclear threat from Iran. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Eyeing Turkey, Netanyahu boosts Greece, Cyprus ties ahead of US visit Worried about the increasing empowerment of Turkey across the Middle East, Israel is making a show of neighborhood strength with Greece and Cyprus. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis In 2025, Netanyahu saved his coalition but stalled on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel tightens financial noose on Gaza Israel recently designated a Gaza currency exchange company a terror organization, raising concerns among local bankers and business owners about who might be next. Palestine
Why is Israel propping up Hamas in Gaza? Israel is implementing a concerted policy of keeping Hamas in power on its southern border so it can focus its energies on threats from the north, especially the Iranian presence in Syria. Palestine
Voices in Hamas call for dialogue with Israel Some prominent Hamas affiliates are publicly calling for low-level talks with Israel to end the Gaza blockade and ease the humanitarian crisis there, a move that also appears to be necessary for the movement to continue to control the enclave. Palestine
Protesters say support for Gaza Strip continues to grow Calls and protests to lift sanctions on the Gaza Strip have spread outside the Palestinian territories and are expected to grow even bigger. Palestine
Haifa Arabs find their voice in standing with Gaza Haifa is witnessing a burgeoning Palestinian youth movement driven by solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel
Will Gaza kites lead to war with Israel? Many have been surprised by the effectiveness of the incendiary kites flown from Gaza that are frustrating Israeli politicians, flummoxing the Israeli military and attracting worldwide attention. Palestine
Morocco helps ease burden on Gaza hospitals Given the medical and humanitarian crisis crippling Gaza’s hospitals while the Great Return March continues, Morocco delivered an aid convoy that included a field hospital to ease the burden on the territory's overtaxed and underequipped health care services. Palestine
Palestinians skeptical of humanitarian efforts in Gaza Israel and the United States have indicated that they seek to ease the blockade on Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation in the coastal enclave, but Palestinians question their real intent. Palestine
Why Israel’s 11-year closure didn’t topple Hamas It took Israel a decade to realize that its closure policy won’t topple the Hamas regime. Palestine
Israeli minister offers creative approach to easing Gaza siege Undeterred by objections in the governing coalition, Transportation and Intelligence Affairs Minister Yisrael Katz continues to push his plan to construct an island off Gaza to provide it access to the outside world. Palestine
Israel squeezes Abu Mazen as West Bank simmers in solidarity with Gaza, Jordan protests Hamas seeks to seize opening to expand protests to the West Bank; Crest Media announces partnership with North Base Media to manage Al-Monitor. Palestine
Medical shortages threaten lives of Gaza’s wounded With shortages of medication, supplies and beds, hospitals in the Gaza Strip are unable to provide those wounded in the Great Return March protests with necessary treatment. Palestine