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 enraged at Netanyahu over Gaza Egypt blames Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for sparking the latest escalation on the Gaza border by sabotaging Palestinian reconciliation efforts. Palestine
Desperate Gazans protesting against Israel, but also Hamas While thousands of Gaza residents participated in the Hamas-backed Great Return March, many blame Hamas for their suffering. Palestine
Gaza's immense potential If Hamas and Israel were to sign a long-term cease-fire, the Gaza Strip could make use of a natural gas field in the Mediterranean, a highly educated population and wonderful beaches to become a pleasant place to live. Palestine
Culture alert: Gaza conflict spills over to cinema festivals Iran’s Fajr International Film Festival has invited Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi as its guest of honor, while, farther west, Palestinian artists are boycotting the Istanbul Film Festival for refusing to drop an Israeli-government-backed sponsor, Art Israel. Palestine
