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
Will Palestinian local elections courts be established? The Ministry of Local Governance has suggested the formation of local elections courts to prevent the Courts of First Instance from ruling on cases related to local elections. Palestine
How these Palestinian artisans are keeping craft industry alive The residents of Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, are trying to preserve what is left of the ancient crafts industry. Palestine
Tension rises on Temple Mount during Jewish holy days Israeli security forces fear that the recent shooting attack in Jerusalem signals the beginning of a new wave of violence, especially during this month of Jewish holy days. Palestine
Obama’s three diplomatic options for Mideast peace Both Israelis and Palestinians object to a diplomatic move by US President Barack Obama: the Palestinians object to a presidential speech, while the Israelis object to a UN General Assembly resolution. Palestine
Why Israeli occupation of the West Bank is reversible New data shows that the settlements in the West Bank are not an irreversible situation, and that most of the population growth in settlements is due to births — not immigration of Israelis into the settlements. Palestine
What's driving Palestinian attacks? When the wave of Palestinian violence broke out, most of the assailants were youngsters who believed that their acts would bring closer Palestinian statehood; but recent attacks seem motivated largely by religious beliefs. Palestine
Hamas leader shocks base, admits to 'mistake' in Gaza Hamas leaders are divided over political bureau head Khaled Meshaal's statement that Hamas erred by attempting to rule Gaza alone for the past 10 years. Palestine
How will Palestine benefit from joining international environment group? Palestine is seeking more global recognition as it recently became a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Palestine
Why did Hamas 'reshuffle' so many security bosses? Hamas' Interior Ministry in Gaza has appointed several new officials to top security positions, raising questions about its motives. Palestine
Backlash at Abbas escalates among Palestinians Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' attendance at the funeral of former Israeli President Shimon Peres has angered the Palestinian public and political factions, increasing the chance of violence in the streets. Palestine
Is a new West Bank settlement Obama's red line? If Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on defying the US president and building a new West Bank settlement, Barack Obama could respond by abstaining in a UN Security Council vote on Palestinian Statehood. Palestine
Will Salafi groups trigger Israel-Hamas clash? Salafi groups have adopted the tactic of firing rockets at Israel in an attempt to weaken Hamas by pushing it into a military confrontation with Israel. Palestine