Newsletter: Palestine Palestine elections chief: Vote ‘transparent’ despite war, restrictions In an exclusive interview, Rami Hamdallah defended the transparency of recent Palestinian local elections while outlining the political and logistical barriers to voting in Gaza and East Jerusalem. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
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' Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
Nablus' ancient mosques tell story of religions throughout history Dozens of mosques dating back thousands of years are spread around the old city of Nablus, reflecting the rich history of the city. Palestine
UAE faces off against Palestinian Authority, again The latent crisis between the UAE and the Palestinian Authority emerged again recently, after an article was published quoting an Emirati leader who described the PA as a failed and a corrupt entity. United Arab Emirates
Why Israeli president is no partner for peace with Palestinians President Reuven Rivlin, who devotes himself tirelessly to the preservation of Israeli democracy, is lending his image to the perpetuation of Israeli rule over millions of people under occupation. Palestine
Erdogan displays survival instinct in Israel reconciliation Turkey has taken major steps to end its global isolation by reconciling with Israel and apologizing to Russia. Palestine
The war over Fatah leadership has begun Former Fatah senior member Mohammed Dahlan has been channeling humanitarian aid funds to the Gaza Strip, thus creating an alliance with the local Hamas leadership. Palestine
Will next Palestinian president be handpicked by Abbas? Many prominent names are coming up as potential successors to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is expected to handpick the candidate himself. Palestine
The longest wait: My journey out of Gaza Al-Monitor's correspondent documented her own journey from Gaza into Egypt during the Rafah crossing's brief opening in early June. Palestine
Why the Rivlin-Abbas meeting didn't take place European Union leaders consider President Reuven Rivlin one of the only liberal voices within the Israeli right-wing camp. Palestine
Is the Abbas-Hamas conflict hindering Gaza reconstruction? In his speech to the European Parliament, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called to reconstruct Gaza, warning that Gaza residents are being held hostage by Hamas. Palestine
Are Gaza's mosques wasting electricity? In light of the Gaza Strip's electricity crisis, some Gazans believe mosques are largely contributing to the problem with unnecessary electricity consumption. Palestine
Should Palestinians recognize Israel as Jewish state? Regarding Israel being known as a "Jewish state," a Palestinian official said Palestine would recognize whatever the international community recognizes at the United Nations, saying, "It's not for us to define Israel’s identity. It’s up to Israel." Palestine
How media blackout on Hebron shooter trial will undermine IDF Following threats against the commander of the soldier who shot a Palestinian assailant on the ground in Hebron, the prosecution has asked that future witnesses testify behind closed doors and that the press not reveal their names. Palestine
