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 Israel reviving this 50-year-old land plan? Recent land confiscations by the Israeli government appear to further the Allon Plan for securing permanent Israeli control of the West Bank. Palestine
Why Israeli companies are fleeing West Bank settlements EU and UN decisions to label settlement products and identify firms doing business there are driving companies to relocate from West Bank settlements across the Green Line. Palestine
How this Israeli checkpoint turns morning commute into 5-hour ordeal The dangerous overcrowding at Checkpoint 300, through which an estimated 15,000 Palestinian workers pass daily into Israel, is a disaster in the making. Palestine
Why Israel needs B'Tselem Human rights organizations can stop Israelis from ignoring what they and their leaders are trying to repress or bury. Palestine
Why Israelis are defending IDF soldier who shot Palestinian attacker A recent poll shows that most Israelis side with an IDF soldier who shot a subdued Palestinian, even though it's clear the soldier was not acting in self-defense. Palestine
Will Egypt-Hamas fallout hurt Palestinian reconciliation? Hamas appears to be making an effort to repair relations with Egypt, but it’s unclear whether the road runs both ways. Palestine
Where are Israeli-Palestinian security talks headed? Discreet talks between Israeli and Palestinian security officers, aimed at reaching new understandings regarding Israel’s military activity in Palestinian cities, lead nowhere for the moment. Palestine
Is the PA denying Gazans passports? Palestinians in Gaza are wary of a potential closure of the Bar Association, acting in its capacity as Foreign Ministry, in light of its recent controversy with the State Audit & Administrative Control Bureau. Palestine
Has there been a breakthrough in Hamas-Egypt ties? A Hamas visit to Egypt ended on a positive note, which might push the Egyptians to stop the incitement campaign against the movement. Palestine
Gaza’s electricity crisis sheds light on gap between social classes Although hospitals, medical centers and other sectors in the Gaza Strip are increasingly relying on solar power, its use is still limited to affluent households. Palestine
Why this Palestinian commuter app may be destined for dead end A new smartphone app aims to help Palestinians cross through security checkpoints, but Israel's West Bank settlements council claims that it could help Palestinians plan attacks on soldiers. Palestine
For Palestinian artist, spiny cactus makes perfect canvas Artist Ahmad Yaseen paints the suffering and hopes of the Palestinian people on the prickly pear, a symbol of rugged survival also claimed by the Israelis. Palestine
