Bookmobile speed-reads through Gaza neighborhoods

In response to the acute shortage of public libraries in the Gaza Strip, the French-German Cultural Center in Ramallah has sent its mobile library on its second mission to encourage Gaza’s children to read.

Palestine

Al-Qaeda affiliate’s desperate 'switch' validates US Syria policy

Fear of US and Russian airstrikes on eve of Syrian offensive a sign that Jabhat al-Nusra may be feeling the heat; Turkey’s de-Gulenification campaign in context; retired Saudi general probes Israeli commitment to peace settlement.

Saudi Arabia

Will upcoming Palestinian local elections pave way for general elections?

The Oct. 8 municipal elections, which will take place throughout Gaza and the West Bank, will be an indicator of which direction the Palestinians want to take; but all eyes will be on Gaza whose residents have not had a voice about their future leadership since 2006.

Palestine

Gazans rejoice as Qatar vows to pay one month of full salaries

Qatar has announced that it will provide about $31 million to the Gaza Strip, enough to cover one month's salary for Gaza's civil servants, who hope the aid will bypass the banks to avoid deductions for outstanding debts.

Qatar

Can PLO help protect Palestinian refugees in Syria?

The slaughter of a Palestinian child by the Nureddin Zengi Brigade in Syria put the spotlight on the PLO’s role and its failure to protect Palestinian refugees in Syria.

Palestine

Is Israel already a binational state?

Palestinians believe that calling for a binational state will force the international community to engage in a realistic two-state solution in 2017 and force the Israeli public to see the necessity of Palestinian statehood.

Palestine

Will Hamas accept new Egypt-brokered deal with Israel?

Egypt is making efforts in sealing an exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, yet observers question whether Hamas will accept it given the strained ties between the movement and Cairo.

Palestine

What Saudi Arabia can offer Israel

The unofficial visit by a retired Saudi general to Israel was a quiet overture that indicated Riyadh is willing to explore normalization with Israel in return for advancing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

Saudi Arabia

Are IDF soldiers shooting Palestinians against orders?

The trial of IDF soldier Elor Azaria, who is suspected of shooting a Palestinian assailant on the ground, must bring back to the spotlight other cases where IDF soldiers shot Palestinians who didn't threaten their lives.

Palestine

Gazans take to social media in reaction to Turkish coup attempt

The failed Turkish coup divided Gazans between supporters and opponents, as some praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for foiling the coup.

Palestine

Century-old Palestinian Scout movement makes comeback

Considered to be one of the oldest in the world, the Palestinian Scout movement has regained international recognition after being accepted into the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Palestine

Thousands apply for short-term jobs program in Gaza

In a move to address the unemployment crisis, the Gaza government has created temporary employment projects that aim to provide temporary relief and stimulate the economy.

Palestine