EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
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. Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
Gaza's boxers dream of hitting it big Amateur boxers in Gaza dream of turning professional and taking part in international championships, yet the lack of equipment, sponsorship and rings, as well as the closure of the Rafah crossing, have prevented them from realizing their dreams. Palestine
Gaza University to launch first film major in Palestine A group of Palestinians who hold art degrees from Egypt are behind the first film studies major set to start by early 2017 at Gaza University, raising the hopes of many aspiring students. Palestine
Are NGOs in Palestine up to the challenge? Civil society institutions in Palestine, which are in charge of documenting violations and providing aid for development projects, have recently come under criticism for failing to rid the Palestinians from the oppressive Hamas and Fatah regimes. Palestine
Welcome to Gaza's first deer farm A Palestinian citizen from the town of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip has started raising deer in his garden that already holds rare birds, with the hope of someday turning the farm into a public zoo. Palestine
Hamas calls for return of Haniyeh’s government Hamas has accused the consensus government of failing to assume its responsibilities toward the Gaza Strip, which explains the movement’s recent call for the return of Ismail Haniyeh’s government to Gaza. Palestine
Why the March of Hope inspired few Israeli politicians Many Israeli politicians chose to ignore the March of Hope for fear of being branded "leftist," although participants spanned the spectrum. Palestine
Gaza agriculture on brink of collapse With new Israeli encroachment in the name of security and restrictions on the importation of chemicals and fertilizers, even more of Gaza's farmers are being forced to abandon their lands despite a near-total lack of other employment options. Palestine
Will these Palestinian and Israeli leaders achieve peace? A re-entry into politics of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former Palestinian security chief Mohammed Dahlan could bring about pragmatic moves towards a two-state solution. Palestine
How textbooks became latest battleground of Mideast conflict Palestinians feel that Arab official circles are neglecting their cause, as the Israeli narrative is increasingly promoted in schoolbooks. Palestine
Cultural initiatives in Gaza are short on cash The Palestinian Cultural Palace, a cultural center created by a youth group in the Gaza Strip and aimed to preserve the cultural heritage of the Palestinian people, may not be able to flourish in light of the lack of government financial support. Palestine
Civil servants in Palestine prohibited from working second job Palestinian civil employees are worried that the new Palestinian government decision to ban holding a second job will cut their monthly income, as they can barely make ends meet in light of the harsh living conditions. Palestine
Abbas' former opponent speaks out on postponed elections Dr. Mustafa Barghouti wants to see agreement between Fatah and Hamas and local elections held in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Palestine