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
Chicken prices soar during Ramadan in Gaza Gaza residents are outraged as the government fails to control traders who have increased the price of chicken, which is the preferred meat during the month of Ramadan. Palestine
How a Gaza Christian became a blind Muslim's eyes The longstanding friendship between a blind Muslim man and a Christian demonstrates how Gaza residents feel that everyone is in the same boat regardless of their religion. Palestine
Gaza inmates get second chance Rehabilitation centers in the Gaza Strip are implementing employment programs to help inmates acquire or improve practical skills during their incarceration. Palestine
Can Palestinian right of return issue be solved? Palestinians are elaborating creative ideas to solve the complex issue of the right of return so that a two-state solution can be reached. Palestine
Gaza lighthouse guides fishermen, sends message A lighthouse in Gaza was recently inaugurated, inspiring hope for Gazans to open up to the world. Palestine
Israeli defense minister moves to muzzle Palestinian voices for peace Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has revoked the entry permit of Mohammed Madani, who was appointed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to organize dialogues with Israelis to promote peace. Palestine
Will Abbas intervene to save Nablus from mayhem? The situation in the streets of Nablus has become very dangerous in light of the chaos and security unrest, while Palestinian officials exploit the situation to settle political scores. Palestine
Will new Palestinian agency be enough to stop violence against women? As more cases of violence against women come to light in the West Bank, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs will be launching a special agency to follow up on such instances and garner statistics to raise public awareness about this phenomenon. Palestine
Enforcement of Ramadan laws varies among Palestinian cities Differing enforcement of regulations concerning violating the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan is a point of potential polarization. Palestine
Former Egypt FM says US election outcome won't dictate US-Arab ties In an interview with Al-Monitor, former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy says that "the future of Arab-American affairs is 70% controlled by the Arab world and 30% in the hands of the United States," and hence does not depend on the next US president. Saudi Arabia
Has 'Bibi, the Magician' lost his magic? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has uncharacteristically made one misstep after the other. Palestine
What role will Egypt play in Palestine-Israel peace path? Palestinians and Israelis can’t even agree on how to approach peace talks. Palestine
