Analysis Can Bennett, Lapid unite Israel’s opposition to unseat Netanyahu? Six months before Israel's next elections, opposition leaders Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have decided to run on one anti-Netanyahu ticket. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Why Abbas' win in Gaza remains 'symbolic,' not rejection of Hamas Affiliates of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas performed relatively well in the municipal elections, though the vote was marred by complications relating to the war and the exclusion of Hamas. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
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
Israel's Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer: What we know The prime minister said he postponed the report’s publication to prevent it from being released at the height of the war with Iran. Israel
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Is PA living up to Palestinians' expectations over Jerusalem? The Palestinian leadership seems to be taking slow actions vis-a-vis Washington to counter US President Donald Trump's decision on Jerusalem. Palestine
A perilous journey home for Raqqa residents In the former self-proclaimed capital of the Islamic State, two months after the end of the battle, Raqqa residents are already attempting to rebuild their war-battered city — a colossal challenge that has also proven to be lethal. Syria
Is Trump’s Jerusalem decision winner for Iran? Islamic Jihad gains momentum in the Gaza Strip, US-Jordan relations are shaken, US-Turkey relations worsen and Iran reaps the benefits without lifting a finger. Palestine
Will Bahrain, Israel establish formal relations in 2018? Bahrain could become the first Gulf Cooperation Council member to establish official diplomatic and trade relations with Israel, though this may largely depend on the GCC states' response to the Jerusalem crisis. United Arab Emirates
Jordan launches diplomatic offensive against US Jerusalem move How far can Jordan’s king go in opposing the US president's Jerusalem stance without risking a backlash that could hurt his strategic relationship with Washington? Palestine
Gaza's cancer patients face nightmarish struggle to reach treatment In 2017, at least 20 patients in the Gaza Strip have died after not being allowed to access medical treatment in Israel and the West Bank. Palestine
No peace meetings on Israeli education minister's watch Minister of Education Naftali Bennett is working not only to promote his ideological and political worldview in the school system, but also to block students from interacting with human rights and peace organizations that advocate values challenging his own. Palestine
Palestinians reject US mediation Palestinian leadership was shocked by US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Palestine
Israeli defense minister's comments highlight 'plague of racism' Growing displays of xenophobia, incitement against minorities and legislation curtailing the freedom of human rights groups reflect the spread of racism within Israeli society. Palestine
Did Trump’s Jerusalem decision revive support for Palestine? US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has put the Palestinian cause back in the forefront after years of neglect in light of other regional crises. Palestine
Islamic Jihad pushes Hamas into corner After Trump’s Jerusalem declaration Hamas found itself in a Catch-22: While it wants to avoid clashes with Israel, it also does not want the public to view it as hindering armed action in response. Palestine
Israel continues to expand in West Bank through new tourist route The Israeli government approved the construction of a new tourist route that would pass through the West Bank to the Syrian Golan Heights, raising fears among Palestinians about Israel’s attempts to maintain a permanent presence in occupied territories. Palestine
