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
Why Gaza's militant groups are cozying up to one another Hamas is getting closer with the militias of Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees in an attempt to unify forces and benefit from Iranian support. Palestine
Leaked Gaza war report sparks 'war of generals' in Israel The partially leaked state comptroller report of the 2014 Protective Edge operation triggered political clashes and also a war of mutual accusations amid IDF generals. Palestine
Will Hamas respond to Israel's destruction of its tunnels? Israel and Hamas are threatening each other with open warfare over Palestinian factions' tunnels that lead from Gaza into Israel, though military experts are divided on whether either side would take such action. Palestine
Palestine to raise concerns about settlement-based teams at FIFA conference The Palestinian Football Federation is planning to raise the issue of five Israeli soccer teams located in the occupied territories on the grounds that these teams are violating FIFA statutes. Palestine
Ancient Palestinian monastery under UNESCO consideration The 1,500-year-old Mar Saba Monastery in Palestine has been nominated for inclusion among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Palestine
Why the PA is distancing itself from BDS movement Israel must understand that the marginal BDS movement is not its main strategic threat — the occupation is. Palestine
How Israel avoided another escalation with Hamas Israel and Hamas agreed, yet again, to hold fire; yet the misery of Gaza residents will continue as long as the blockade continues. Palestine
How Hamas scored a win in West Bank student elections The victory of Hamas' student branch in the elections at Birzeit University in the West Bank reflects the Palestinian public support for Hamas, following the arrests and restrictions it has been subjected to by both the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Palestine
Pigeon lovers flock to Gaza expo Hundreds of enthusiasts and breeders of exotic pigeons gathered in a Gaza arena for an event as rare and special as their birds. Palestine
Hamas watches its words in response to Jerusalem bus bombing Hamas is celebrating — but not claiming responsibility for — the April 18 bus bombing in Jerusalem, indicating it is walking a fine political line between maintaining its popularity among frustrated Palestinians and avoiding a punitive retaliation by Israel. Palestine
Can Paris conference offer breakthrough on two-state solution? The Palestinian leadership considers the French initiative and international support of the Paris conference the last opportunity for diplomacy. Palestine
Gaza renews taxi fleet to dismay of old cab drivers For the first time in nine years, Israel has allowed the entry of new taxi cars into Gaza, a decision that appealed to Gazans but was met with criticism by the owners of old and dilapidated cars, who fear that the new cars will put them out of business. Palestine
