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 France isn’t inviting Israel, Palestine to peace process conference As a first step to relaunch a two-state solution process, France will convene at the end of May a conference of stakeholders, without the Israelis or the Palestinians. Palestine
How one Gaza crossing went from death trap to gate of hope A decade ago, crossing from Gaza at the Erez checkpoint was a nightmare, but now under Defense Ministry management the once-dangerous crossing offers a model of order and security for West Bank facilities. Palestine
Israel's fix for dangerous Gaza route will only worsen matters Instead of widening the dangerous old road leading to the vital Kerem Shalom Crossing, Israeli Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz has decided to limit the operating hours of trucks bringing provisions into Gaza. Palestine
Did Israel’s reaction to BDS drive movement's growth? Former Ambassador Gideon Meir argues that Israel has engaged itself in a high-profile battle against the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, turning it from an insignificant organization into a powerful force. Palestine
Yemen’s Jews and the road to Israel Yemeni Jews who immigrate to Israel are taking with them a large part of what was left of Yemen's religious diversity. Yemen
Has the countdown to next Hamas-Israel war begun? Both Israel and Hamas claim not to want another battle, but both are loudly preparing for one. Palestine
Is Abbas tightening his grip on power with new constitutional court? The establishment of the Palestinian High Constitutional Court by presidential decree has led to widespread criticism concerning its legality, especially since the move came at a time of intense division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine
Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of incitement Palestinian officials claim that Israel is refusing to participate in the Committee on Incitement because of its interest in maintaining its own campaign of incitement. Palestine
Will this Palestinian be the next Nobel Peace Prize laureate? Palestinian institutions launched an international campaign in support of the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize of Marwan Barghouti, sentenced to life imprisonment in Israel. Palestine
Erdogan, Davutoglu shed tears for Gaza, but do little else Turkey as well as the oil-rich Gulf states have still not fulfilled their pledges to help with the reconstruction and development of Gaza. Legacy: Gulf
'There is no intifada,' say Ramallah residents In a visit to Ramallah, Israel Pulse contributor Shlomi Eldar heard from residents who expressed a deep weariness with Hamas and other "inciters" to violence. Palestine
Why President Rivlin supports Israeli-Palestinian confederation President Reuven Rivlin has not abandoned his right-wing worldview in expressing a pragmatic and moral position in favor of an Israeli-Palestinian confederation. Palestine