Israel expands West Bank operation, evacuates refugee camp: What we know

The Israeli military has conducted major security raids in the West Bank, prompting the Palestinian president to return early from Saudi Arabia.

Palestine

Bedouin Israeli hostage freed in Gaza in military operation

The Israeli military and the Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday that they rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from southern Gaza in a military operation.

Israel

Analysis

Israel’s prolonged Gaza war offers China strategic opportunity in Mideast

Israel’s continuous military operations in Gaza have likely offered China unexpected help in its rivalry against the US.

By Andrea Ghiselli

In Shanghai, reporting on China in the Middle East

As war in Gaza drags on, crucial female hygiene products run out

Women in Gaza are particularly affected by the lack of humanitarian aid, with difficulties finding essential goods like feminine hygiene products.

Palestine

Three obstacles remain as Egypt, Israel make progress on Philadelphi Corridor

Gaps between Israel and Egypt over the complicated issue of the Philadelphi Corridor are reportedly closing ahead of a Sunday summit in the Egyptian capital on a hostage release and Gaza cease-fire deal.

Israel

Analysis

With Sinwar undecided, Israel wary of imminent Lebanon war with Hezbollah

“We are within touching distance of an Israeli attack in Lebanon, which is intended to allow us to return the residents of the north to their homes,” a senior Israeli military source told Al-Monitor this week, even as Iran hesitates on next steps.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Mossad director, US officials back in Egypt for talks on Philadelphi Corridor

The Israeli delegation for the deal to release the hostages arrived in Cairo for talks with the Americans and Egyptians ahead of a potential summit this Sunday.

Israel

Israel assassinates Fatah official in Lebanon, a first since Gaza war began

In a first since the Gaza war, a senior Fatah official was killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanese soil, as Israel-Hezbollah cross-border hostilities continue to escalate.

Lebanon

Blinken meets with Egypt's Sisi as Philadelphi Corridor remains sticking point in Gaza talks

Cairo will host a new round of talks this week to secure an agreement on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the region to mobilize support.

Egypt

Analysis

As Netanyahu hedges, Hamas' Sinwar undecided between deal or regional war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived closer to the moment of truth where he must decide for or against a deal for the release of the hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in Gaza.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Pro-Palestinian voices protest and participate in DNC in Chicago

Protesters from across the country are in Chicago for the DNC, demanding an end to aid for Israel as Vice President Harris and the Democratic Party grapple with how to handle the Gaza war.

Palestine

Gaza cease-fire talks to resume in Egypt with Rafah, Philadelphi corridor in focus

Following two days of talks in Doha, the US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are expected to resume negotiations on a Gaza cease-fire in Cairo this week in the presence of Israeli officials.

Palestine