Hamas denies Qatar is pushing it to leave

Hamas officials have strenuously denied news reports that Qatar might extend its decision to expel Muslim Brotherhood leaders to include Hamas leaders residing in Doha.

Legacy: Gulf

Israel must help Gazans, regardless of Hamas

Israel must consider unilaterally lifting the Gaza blockade because desperate Palestinians there have nothing to lose, a situation far more dangerous for Israel than Hamas rearming.

Palestine

Gaza farmers want guarantees Israel won’t destroy their lands

Farmers in Gaza are fed up with replanting their battered lands only for Israel to destroy them, and want negotiators in Egypt to guarantee their security.

Palestine

With $550M in agricultural losses, Gazans going hungry

Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s agricultural sector has resulted in a drop in food supplied to local markets, inflating prices that are out of reach for the impoverished population.

Palestine

Is Israel most important strategic US ally in the region?

US President Barack Obama might follow in the footsteps of Presidents George H. W. and George W. Bush by forcing diplomatic concessions on Israel.

Palestine

Rawabi still controversial among Palestinians

Rawabi, the new Palestinian city under construction in the West Bank, has faced criticism from Palestinians, ranging from the involvement of Israeli companies to its design, which largely mimics an Israeli settlement.

Palestine

Hamas debates direct talks with Israel

Hamas Deputy Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk’s bombshell last week that the movement might embark on direct negotiations with Israel has sparked a furious debate within Hamas.

Palestine

Jewish extremists try to change status quo at Al-Aqsa

The visit by extreme-right Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin to Al-Aqsa Mosque is yet another example of empowered Jewish extremists seeking to change current agreements over Islam’s third-holiest shrine.

Palestine

Deputy: Qatar's expulsion of Brotherhood won't impact Hamas

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzouk said the provisions of the cease-fire deal with Israel were the most Hamas could achieve from the war, but he also indicated that it expects to obtain more of its demands in upcoming negotiations.

Palestine

With Temple Mount as flashpoint, violence rises in Jerusalem

In the midst of increasing violence and harassment against Arabs in Jerusalem and tensions over the Temple Mount, the Jerusalem Municipality announced encouraging news about two building plans in East Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods.

Palestine

Europe dismayed by Israel’s West Bank policy

Israel's recent expropriation of West Bank land has greatly angered European leaders, putting them on a possible collision course with Washington at a time when they are coordinating coalition building against extremist Islamists in the region.

Palestine

Hamas frustrated by Israel’s flouting of cease-fire deal

Key terms in the cease-fire agreement with Israel have not been implemented, raising Palestinians' frustrations.

Palestine