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
Does Jordan hold key to Palestinian independence? Palestinian researchers and activists are advancing the proposal of a Jordanian-Palestinian confederation, even though the Palestinian leadership fears that such a structure could harm future Palestinian sovereignty. Palestine
Why Hamas needs a prisoner-swap deal with Israel Hamas seems to believe the only way to battle the frustration of Gaza residents over their desperate economic situation and corrupt leadership is to announce another prisoner exchange. Palestine
Palestinian internal politics deteriorating on all fronts Internal differences within the PLO have caused President Mahmoud Abbas to place financial pressure on the PFLP, which has accused him of a monopoly over political decisions. Palestine
Is Hamas open to direct negotiations with Israel? Hamas leaders say the movement is not against negotiating directly with Israel, but is wary given Israel's failure to abide by its previous agreements with the Palestinians. Palestine
Hamas, PA face off on financial front Palestinian individuals and institutions are complaining about procedures implemented by the Palestinian Authority to monitor exchange office and bank transactions suspected of aiding Hamas. Palestine
When is a terrorist a terrorist? The Israeli public and its leaders are trapped in their thinking about who is a terrorist, and that bodes ill for peace. Palestine
Palestinian PM says he is 'bitterly disappointed' in US In an interview from Ramallah with Al-Monitor, PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah says Palestine is ready for statehood as soon as Israel ends the occupation. Palestine
Will reports of hospital segregation spark debate on racism in Israel? The scandal on the segregation of Jewish women and Arab women in Israeli hospitals has succeeded in breaking the long-held public silence on racism and discrimination. Palestine
Hamas scrambles to make up budget shortfalls As a result of its financial crisis, Hamas adopted policies that are increasing Gazans' suffering and dissatisfaction. Palestine
Will Ramallah be Palestine's first 'smart city'? The Ramallah municipality has implemented a number of technology projects in an effort to become a "smart city," but it faces numerous obstacles. Palestine
Gaza women revive henna tattoo tradition Traditional henna tattooing has resurfaced among women in the Gaza Strip as a potential source of living. Palestine
Has Israeli army become defender of democracy? In the case of the IDF soldier who shot a Palestinian assailant on the ground, it was Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot who defended categorically the army ethics and values of democracy. Palestine
