Rawabi still controversial among Palestinians

Rawabi, the new Palestinian city under construction in the West Bank, has faced criticism from Palestinians, ranging from the involvement of Israeli companies to its design, which largely mimics an Israeli settlement.

Palestine

Hamas debates direct talks with Israel

Hamas Deputy Chairman Mousa Abu Marzouk’s bombshell last week that the movement might embark on direct negotiations with Israel has sparked a furious debate within Hamas.

Palestine

Jewish extremists try to change status quo at Al-Aqsa

The visit by extreme-right Israeli politician Moshe Feiglin to Al-Aqsa Mosque is yet another example of empowered Jewish extremists seeking to change current agreements over Islam’s third-holiest shrine.

Palestine

Deputy: Qatar's expulsion of Brotherhood won't impact Hamas

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Hamas deputy leader Mousa Abu Marzouk said the provisions of the cease-fire deal with Israel were the most Hamas could achieve from the war, but he also indicated that it expects to obtain more of its demands in upcoming negotiations.

Palestine

With Temple Mount as flashpoint, violence rises in Jerusalem

In the midst of increasing violence and harassment against Arabs in Jerusalem and tensions over the Temple Mount, the Jerusalem Municipality announced encouraging news about two building plans in East Jerusalem Arab neighborhoods.

Palestine

Europe dismayed by Israel’s West Bank policy

Israel's recent expropriation of West Bank land has greatly angered European leaders, putting them on a possible collision course with Washington at a time when they are coordinating coalition building against extremist Islamists in the region.

Palestine

Hamas frustrated by Israel’s flouting of cease-fire deal

Key terms in the cease-fire agreement with Israel have not been implemented, raising Palestinians' frustrations.

Palestine

How much money goes to Israel's settlements each year?

A new report reveals the disparities in government spending between the settlements and the towns in the country’s periphery, reflecting Israel's policy priorities since the 1967 Six Day War.

Palestine

Israeli academics to Netanyahu: accept Arab Initiative

Alex Mintz, director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, explains that accepting the Arab Initiative “with reservations” is needed, as it “would weaken Hamas and the Iranian axis” while opening regional negotiations.

Saudi Arabia

Gaza fishermen say Israel not honoring cease-fire terms

The cease-fire to end the Gaza war included a provision to extend Gaza’s fishing zone, but local fishermen say Israel has yet to implement the new arrangement.

Palestine

Hezbollah parliamentarian: We will defend Lebanon from IS

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said Lebanon was under direct threat from the Islamic State and that Hezbollah stood ready to confront it.

Saudi Arabia

Fatah source: no chance of reconciliation with Hamas

In an interview, a Fatah source in Gaza said that Hamas arrested him and his colleagues during the fighting, and that the rift between Hamas and Fatah was about to explode.

Palestine