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
Is new defense minister dangerous for Israel? Some in the Israeli military are panicked over Avigdor Liberman heading the Defense Ministry, but despite his tempestuous reputation, Liberman is neither stupid nor crazy. Palestine
Egyptian Brotherhood leader reflects on group's mistakes, future In an extensive interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian Brotherhood leader and former minister of planning and international cooperation Amr Darrag speaks about the challenges the group has faced in the past, the reassessments it has undergone and its vision for the future. Legacy: Gulf
Will Germany play role in Israeli-Palestinian talks? Germany is deeply engaged in efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and its diplomats say that the Paris conference should be based on the Quartet report. Palestine
Why are some Palestinians upset over Nakba commemoration? The organizers of this year's Nakba commemorations faced harsh criticism for their celebratory events on what is typically a solemn occasion. Qatar
Sisi's statements on peace efforts welcomed abroad, ridiculed at home Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced his country's willingness to negotiate between the Palestinians and Israelis, a statement that proved controversial in Egypt. Palestine
Why camels mean more than just money to Gaza's Bedouin Bedouin families in the Gaza Strip continue to breed camels, which are considered a significant part of Bedouin tradition and an important source of income. Palestine
Will new agreement lead to increase in Palestinian exports? A new Palestinian-Jordanian agreement will allow the export of goods in small containers to Jordan for the first time ever, which Palestinians hope will increase their global exports. Palestine
Israeli legal plan for settlements raises red flag in West Bank Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked's intention to apply Israeli laws to Jews living West Bank settlements raised the ire of the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Why some Palestinians are siding with the IDF Palestinian officials do not think the rift between the IDF and Israel's political leadership will improve the Palestinians' situation or advance diplomacy toward peace. Palestine
Will opening of Israeli crossing help Gaza’s economy? Israel recently announced plans to reopen the Erez/Beit Hanoun crossing into Gaza, but many say it is not enough to relieve Gaza’s devastated economy. Palestine
Jordan, Turkey compete to woo Jerusalem As Turkey and Jordan vie for influence in Jerusalem, the ever-growing presence in the city of the Turkish flag, Turkish restaurants and photos of Turkey’s president reflect Turkey might be winning. Palestine
Is Israel's opposition leader siding with Bibi against French initiative? It seems that Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog is more interested in entering the coalition and becoming foreign minister than he is at promoting the French initiative to advance the two-state solution. Palestine