Arab parties stand to gain from political chaos in Israel

The Arab Joint List seeks to boost its number of seats in the Israeli Knesset in the March election by increasing turnout in the Arab community, with the ultimate goal of dealing a fatal blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, preventing him from forming a government.

Palestine

Israel's defense minister tries blocking arrangement with Hamas

Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has taken a series of decisions that are meant not only to please his right-wing camp but also to block arrangement talks with Hamas.

Palestine

Is Jerusalem a real obstacle or a convenient excuse?

The Palestinian elections expected sometime in 2020 are still in doubt because of lack of clarity about the participation of Jerusalemites, but is this a real reason or an excuse?

Palestine

Israeli-PA coordinated arrest campaign against Hamas in West Bank

The arrest campaign targeting Hamas leaders and members in the West Bank has intensified in recent weeks, suggesting an attempt by the PA to intimidate the movement from participating in the upcoming elections.

Palestine

Can Gaza's troubles get Ireland an Oscar?

Ireland's nominee to the Academy Awards, "Gaza," sets the siege — brought on by history, Israel, Hamas and the abandonment of the international community — as the villain.

Palestine

How Malaysia is becoming Hamas' gateway to Asia

Hamas will participate in Malaysia’s Islamic Summit, another indication of the growing ties between the two.

Saudi Arabia

Palestine seeks economic relations with Oman

A Palestinian ministerial delegation is preparing to visit Oman early next year as part of efforts to sever economic ties with Israel, but some analysts wonder what benefits are to be gained by either party.

Oman

Rumors, denials fly about long-term Israel-Gaza truce

Just the suggestion that a long-term truce could be in the works between Israel and the Gaza Strip factions has Palestinians fired up.

Palestine

Israel worried by Erdogan's meddling in Palestinian affairs

Israel believes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to gain some control over Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority and is therefore trying to influence the Palestinian battle to succeed Mahmoud Abbas.

United Arab Emirates

Is proposed site in Gaza really a hospital, or spy station?

Some Palestinian authorities have pledged to obstruct plans to build what they fear could be a US-Israeli military intelligence camp, while Hamas says the facility will be a field hospital in the Gaza Strip.

Palestine

Will Turkey rid Abbas of Dahlan before Palestinian elections?

The Turkish Ministry of Interior announced that it would include the dismissed leader of the Fatah movement, Mohammed Dahlan, on the list of most-wanted terrorists, which observers see as a golden opportunity for Abbas to rid of his rival before the elections.

United Arab Emirates

France to support Palestinian agriculture in West Bank areas under Israeli control

The Palestinian government and the French Development Agency signed agreements that will support the development of agriculture and water networks in Area C.

Palestine