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
Will new social security law protect Palestinian workers? President Mahmoud Abbas ratified the social security law, after a campaign led to amendments that guarantees the rights of employees, women and people with disabilities. Palestine
Is Hamas reconsidering its ties and policies? Hamas might be issuing a document soon detailing its stances toward various aspects of the Palestinian cause, as well as its ties with local parties and foreign countries. Palestine
Israel's 'death sentence' for Gaza's economy Israel has been revoking the travel and import permits of Gaza merchants and importers, threatening the collapse of Gaza's economy. Palestine
Will Abbas reconcile with Hamas over Dahlan? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is under Egyptian pressure to achieve reconciliation with dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, but it might push the president to agree on reconciliation talks with Hamas instead in Doha. Palestine
Who will be Hamas' next leader? Hamas is expected to hold internal elections that will likely result in a new political bureau head, but the movement has yet to officially announce any plans. Palestine
Is Peres’ peace legacy turning to ashes? Akiva Eldar and Daoud Kuttab reflect on the legacy of former Israeli president Shimon Peres, who Eldar says offered a "bit of hope" for peace; Al-Monitor credited for breaking news on delisting of Iranian banks. Palestine
How Abbas proved his courage to Israelis Criticism at home did not deter Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from participating at the funeral of President Shimon Peres and demonstrating his commitment to peace. Palestine
Will Gaza soon have its own aquatic city? The Gazan government is seeking to attract more tourists to the Gaza Strip through its new project to build a first-of-its-kind aquatic city and fish park at Gaza’s seaport. Palestine
Palestinians and Peres: A love-hate relationship Palestinians insist that while the late Israeli leader Shimon Peres was an Israeli patriot, he bears major responsibility for the plight that Palestinians find themselves in today. Palestine
Palestinian universities try to keep Fatah-Hamas split off campus Hebron University in the West Bank has postponed its student elections after those affiliated with Fatah's and Hamas' student blocs refused to abide by the university's decision to separate university elections from national politics. Palestine
FIFA under pressure to sanction Israel for settlement games A powerful report by Human Rights Watch on the eve of a FIFA meeting forces the global soccer association to act against Israeli settlement teams. Palestine
Fulfilling vision of Peres requires dismantling settlements Former Israeli President Shimon Peres' Middle East peace legacy can only be realized if the settlements he himself approved many years ago are dismantled. Palestine
