Gaza

Biden meets with Jordanian king as Israel begins Rafah evacuation

Ahead of his lunch with Jordan's King Abdullah II, President Joe Biden "reiterated his clear position on Rafah" in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel

Israel calls on Palestinians to evacuate east Rafah as deal talks reach impasse

Hamas did not publish its exact response to the Egyptian-mediated hostage-release/Gaza cease-fire deal, but for Israel, the rocket fire Sunday on the Kerem Shalom crossing signaled that the group is not interested in reaching an agreement.

Israel

Culture

Gaza’s Orthodox Christians spend grim Easter praying for Palestinian rebirth

The few remaining Christians in Gaza are observing a joyless Easter this week.

Palestine

Exclusive

State Dept. notifies Congress of 4 Israeli units to keep receiving US aid

The State Department hasn't determined whether to designate a notoriously violent unit known as Netzah Yehuda under the Leahy law.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Analysis

Despite crackdown, protesters ‘haven’t lost the plot' on Gaza war, says Columbia journalist

Al-Monitor’s coverage of the police action against Columbia demonstrators; Netanyahu’s Saudi temptation; Palestinian leaders chart statehood.

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

CIA chief arrives in Egypt ahead of Hamas delegation for Gaza talks

The arrival of CIA chief William Burns to Cairo may indicate that not all is lost, as Washington keeps pushing for Hamas to accept the hostage release deal.

Israel

ICC warns against intimidation amid rumors of warrants for Israel PM, others

The office of International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized that attempts to influence the ICC's work constitute an offense against the administration of justice under the Rome Statute.

Israel

Analysis

As Netanyahu huffs and puffs, Israel on hold waiting for Sinwar, ICC

When faced with threat of ICC arrest warrants, Netanyahu told Biden that with an Israeli invasion of Rafah and an escalation in clashes with Hezbollah would ensue if the United States does not help block the warrants.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Hamas returns to Egypt, Israel cabinet convenes amid Gaza cease-fire push

As Israel awaits Hamas' response to the Egyptian-mediated hostage-release/cease-fire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted there are disagreements within the war cabinet over a military operation in Rafah.

Israel

Interview

EU envoy says Israel cannot condition Gaza humanitarian aid on hostage deal

EU envoy to the Middle East process Sven Koopmans said Israel cannot condition the expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza on reaching a hostage deal with Hamas.

Sven Koopmans

EU Special Representative for Middle East Peace Process

‘Bracing for the worst’: Aid groups draw up Rafah contingency plans

The uncertainty surrounding Israel’s threatened ground offensive in Gaza's southern city of Rafah has made it difficult for aid groups to prepare for their own evacuations.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Colombian president says country cutting diplomatic ties with Israel

Addressing a public gathering on Labor Day, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a harsh critic of the Netanyahu government, announced his intention to sever diplomatic relations with Israel.

Israel