Gazans' inability to buy gifts affects social relationships

Gazans are facing harsh living conditions with little money to spend, which is increasingly affecting social relationships in a society where buying gifts for family and friends when visiting their homes is part of the culture.

Palestine

Former IDF lawyer finds UN report on Gaza war 'relatively balanced'

Pnina Sharvit-Baruch, the former head of the IDF’s Department of International Law, tells Al-Monitor in an interview that though the UN report on the Gaza war was fairly impartial, it cannot be used as the basis for a criminal indictment.

Palestine

Israel blames France for anti-Israeli approach

While Israeli leaders tend to be open to at least discussing US peace initiatives, European proposals, most recently a French effort, are perceived as anti-Israel.

Palestine

Palestinians stand their ground in Wadi Fukin

Palestinian residents in the town of Wadi Fukin close to Bethlehem invest in their land by cultivating it and raising livestock in a way to stop, or at least delay, Israeli expropriation plans.

Palestine

Local tourism in Gaza witnesses cautious growth

Local tourism in Gaza is still dependent on the worsening economic and political situation, which explains the cautious attendance at resorts.

Palestine

Arafat’s helicopter serves as a symbol for Gazans

The late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's helicopter, the only one remaining after Israel bombed his airfield in 2001, is a symbol of a past era free of missiles.

Palestine

Gazans tune into airwaves to cut through static of war

Because of electrical outages, radio remains the most reliable way for Gazans to follow the news.

Palestine

Palestinian NGO closes in on consultative status at UN

The Palestinian Return Center has taken a step toward consultative status as a nongovernmental organization dealing with Palestinian refugee issues, a recommendation that still needs ratification by the UN's Economic and Social Council.

Palestine

Amid crackdown, tunnel smuggling is risky business in Gaza

As the Egyptian army intensifies its campaign to destroy the border tunnels from southern Gaza, many still rely on smuggling goods for work, as no better jobs are available.

Palestine

Israel not doing enough to stop 'price tag' attacks

Despite declarations by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about forcefully fighting price tag attacks, these acts of vandalism and violence against Muslim and Christian places of worship continue.

Palestine

Why Israel needs Obama

Israel needs a US president who attempts to guide it away from occupation, and who isn't afraid to criticize it while showing empathy to both Israeli and Palestinian children — the way President Barack Obama is acting.

Palestine

Gaza deputy minister: PA behind recent bombings

In this interview with Al-Monitor, Gaza's Deputy Minister of Interior, Kamel Abu Madi, speaks out on who should be held accountable for the recent bombings.

Palestine