Abbas unfazed by criticism of participation in Peres' funeral

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ participation in former Israeli President Shimon Peres' funeral brought out raw anger against Abbas, but he remains adamant in his pursuit of peace through negotiations.

Palestine

Will Fatah’s seventh conference unite its ranks?

Fatah’s Central Committee announced the holding of the movement’s seventh conference after a seven-year absence, which would help unite Fatah’s ranks and prepare it for any future elections.

Palestine

Speeches and eulogies won’t advance Israeli-Palestinian peace

American presidents have made historic speeches about the Middle East, and have delivered inspiring eulogies at the funerals of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and President Shimon Peres — but all that has not brought peace any closer.

Palestine

Who could replace Peres?

The late President Shimon Peres is irreplaceable, but one of three people — his son Chemi Peres, former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi or former Chief of Staff Benny Gantz — could go on from where Peres left off.

Palestine

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