Israel pushes West Bank toward economic disaster

Turning the West Bank into the economic twin of the Gaza Strip will provoke new threats to Israel's security, which is why the US administration leans toward cooperating with the new Palestinian unity government.

Palestine

Gaza Salafists expect pressure from unity government

Gaza’s Salafists do not expect any change from a unity Palestinian government, noting that Hamas will remain in control of security in the Gaza Strip and will keep up the pressure on their movements.

Palestine

Hamas, Fatah near deadline on new government

Negotiations to form a Palestinian unity government are continuing, but hurdles remain as the deadline approaches fast.

Palestine

Likud leaders claim Netanyahu blocks settlements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu freezes construction in settlement blocs, hoping to keep the diplomatic process underway — not for the sake of reaching an agreement — and reduce international pressure.

Palestine

Attack on Israeli journalists might indicate shift to violence

The attack of two Israeli journalists in the West Bank town of Beitunia might indicate that despite the apparent lack of Palestinian interest in a surge of violence, a third intifada could erupt.

Palestine

Israel threatens NGO's tax status for political stand

In an interview with Al-Monitor, the chairman of Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, Raphael Walden, says that his NGO, which cares for Palestinians and African refugees, might lose its tax benefit status over its criticism against government policy.

Palestine

Not all PA civil servants in Gaza want jobs back

Around 3,000 public servants in Gaza are scheduled to return to their government posts as part of the April reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas, providing more opportunities for the unemployed — but some of them prefer their second jobs.

Palestine

IDF killing of Palestinians on Nakba Day a warning

The failure of diplomatic negotiations undermines the Palestinians' motivation to maintain security coordination with the IDF, as was the case in the shooting at the Bitunia checkpoint, where two Palestinians were killed.

Palestine

Gifted Gaza child artist finds inspiration despite hardship

Mohammad Qureiqai, 12, has impressed many with his extraordinary drawings and paintings, and hopes to pursue a career in the fine arts.

Palestine

Hamas wary of improved Turkey-Israel ties

Many within Hamas are quietly disappointed that Islamist ally Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan may be pursuing reconciliation with Israel.

Palestine

Islamic Jihad cautious on Palestinian reconciliation deal

Palestinian Islamic Jihad is concerned a warming of Hamas-Fatah ties will come at the expense of its own relations with Hamas.

Palestine

Hamas tones down Brotherhood links to improve Egypt ties

Hamas is positioning itself to welcome Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as Egypt’s likely next president, hoping it will result in an improvement in relations.

Palestine