Donor countries stand by UN Palestinian refugee agency despite corruption probe

The Trump administration skipped today's pledging conference co-hosted by Jordan and Sweden.

Palestine

Kahlon leak closes path around Deduction Law

Efforts by Israel and the Palestinians to find solutions for alleviating the economic crisis facing the Palestinian Authority had met with some success, but a recent leak meant the end of the road for much-needed additional measures.

Palestine

Kuwait asks Saudi Arabia to release Palestinian detainees

Kuwait is negotiating to secure the release of dozens of Hamas members who have spent months in Saudi Arabian prisons with no explanation provided.

Saudi Arabia

Interview

Oman minister describes role as 'facilitator' of diplomacy in turbulent region

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s minister responsible for foreign affairs, describes his country's role as facilitator, not mediator, to resolve the region's conflicts, including Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yemen, and the embargo of Qatar.

Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman

Has Netanyahu’s succession war already started?

Senior Likud members are terrified of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and won’t launch a succession war, but there are incidents that indicate some of them are testing the waters.

Palestine

Israel, Hamas work quietly together on development projects for Gaza

Though they pretend not to be communicating, top Israeli and Hamas officials are working together via Egypt and other channels to advance development plans for the Gaza Strip.

Palestine

Israeli annexation plans endanger ties with Jordan, Egypt

Israel’s political right should pay attention to statements made Jordan's King Abdullah, who made it clear that he objects to all annexation plans advanced by the Netanyahu government.

Palestine

Arab lawmaker says joining coalition would legitimize Israeli occupation

The leading elected Palestinian leader in Israel tells Al-Monitor that while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vicious racism led Arab voters to the polls, the Arab coalition still cannot join a ruling coalition.

Palestine

Will new initiative spark interest in ending the Hamas-Fatah schism?

Eight Palestinian factions in Gaza have put forward an initiative to end the Palestinian divide ongoing since 2007.

Palestine

Do the Hamas-Israeli understandings have a future?

The results of the Israeli elections have raised concerns within Hamas about the future of the understandings reached between the movement and Israel that have provided Gaza a lifeline and that are helping it remain in control.

Qatar

Egyptian FM: Ethiopian dam development shouldn’t 'come at expense of lives of Egyptians'

In an exclusive, in-depth interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry says he sees no change in Qatari policies; great potential in regional integration; and says Egypt will play its "traditional role" to support "courageous decisions" to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Qatar

Are Netanyahu and Gantz really so different?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz appear to hold similar views on certain issues, but are miles apart in tone and expression.

Palestine