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
Trump no longer 'neutral' on Israel Republican and Democratic presidential candidates vied to prove their pro-Israel credentials before the annual AIPAC convention, with Ted Cruz threatening to shoot down Iranian ballistic missiles and Hillary Clinton channeling her inner Queen Esther and Golda Meir. Palestine
Why Hamas closed down Iranian charity in Gaza The Gaza Interior Ministry’s decision to shut down an Iranian-affiliated charity association in the Gaza Strip raised questions on whether this move will affect the fragile and fluctuating ties between Hamas and Iran. Palestine
Gaza's Christians prepare to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem Many Palestinians from Gaza have been given permits to attend Easter celebrations in Jerusalem, though the current easing of restrictions does not mean that Gazans have gained their freedom of movement. Palestine
Why is Netanyahu ignoring legacy of late Mossad chief? In a memorable speech delivered one year ago, late Mossad chief Meir Dagan stated that he fears the current leadership and its policy of diplomatic stalemate. Palestine
Erdogan takes authoritarian rule to new heights in war on PKK Terrorist bombing in Turkey kills two Americans as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan resurrects "thought crimes" in confronting critics; Is Iran a spoiler in Palestinian politics? Israel cool to feelers from Sudan. Saudi Arabia
Palestinian farmers caught in political tug of war After some West Bank farmers were barred from bringing their goods into Jerusalem, it seems the Palestinian conflict is moving more to the economic sphere than to the political one. Palestine
Are Israel's new travel measures for Gazans a blessing or a curse? Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip are hoping Israel's decision to ease travel procedures could be a light at the end of the tunnel. Palestine
What is Harakat al-Sabireen and why is Hamas trying to block their expansion? Attention shifted to Al-Sabireen Movement in Gaza after an explosion targeted its secretary-general’s house, raising questions about the real goals of this movement that had defected from the Islamic Jihad. Palestine
Will Egypt renew ties with Hamas? After Egypt accused Hamas of assassinating its attorney-general, a Hamas delegation went to Cairo to try and patch things up with the new regime in Egypt. Palestine
Has Obama had enough of Netanyahu? President Barack Obama strongly supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, but is discouraged by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated refusals. Palestine
Meet the Carlo The inaccurate, poorly made Palestinian rifle used in the recent shooting attacks in Jerusalem is a cheap knockoff of an antiquated Swedish gun — a sign that the uprising is still ill-equipped and untrained. Palestine
Despite stigma, adoptions are on the rise in Gaza Gazan society seems to be breaking some taboos and prohibitions since families are starting to adopt children of unknown parentage despite all legal and social impediments. Palestine