Palestinian left-wing factions forge new alliance

Five Palestinian left-wing factions have announced a new democratic alliance aimed at breaking the political hegemony of Fatah and Hamas, but not everyone seems optimistic about it.

Palestine

Israel’s early elections could trigger new Gaza violence

With early elections approaching in Israel, Hamas is wary of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrawing from the Gaza arrangement and might opt for another wave of violence.

Palestine

Qatar deal expected to boost Palestinian trade

As part of Doha's continued efforts to boost the Palestinian economy, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a cooperation agreement with the Palestinian Trade Center in a bid to strengthen their partnerships.

Qatar

What Israel’s election should actually be about

The issues of ending the occupation, the democratic nature of Israel and relations with American Jewry should dominate the election campaign no less than the character of the political actors seeking office, but they likely will not.

Palestine

Can Russia succeed with Palestinians where Egypt has failed?

Moscow has expressed its interest in facilitating an intra-Palestinian reconciliation as well as furthering Palestinian-Israeli relations, but Israel remains wary of such efforts.

Palestine

IDF in West Bank refrains from arresting Jews

Despite a dramatic increase in Jewish nationalist crimes, such as slashing tires, throwing stones, and cutting down olive trees in Palestinian settlements even within the Green Line, Israeli security forces have been remarkably helpless.

Palestine

Education minister held secret meetings with settler leaders ahead of elections

The Israeli settlers are exploiting their political leverage in this pre-campaign period to legalize West Bank outposts and push for the expulsion of family members of Palestinian assailants.

Palestine

Russia eyes greater Palestinian role

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced its readiness to hold Fatah-Hamas talks to overcome the obstacles impeding internal reconciliation, amid an expected visit by head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh to Moscow.

Palestine

Gaza's Christians blocked from travel to Bethlehem

Israeli authorities have refused to grant many Christians in the Gaza Strip exit permits to celebrate the Christmas holidays in Bethlehem in the West Bank.

Palestine

Is Qatar's Gaza airport plan a step too far?

Qatar’s ambassador to the Palestinian territories recently revealed that he has discussed with Israel the idea of building an airport in besieged Gaza.

Qatar

Palestinian Authority warns Israel of strengthening Hamas

Senior Ramallah Palestinians warn Israel that its efforts to weaken President Mahmoud Abbas would end up with Hamas taking over the West Bank and Palestinian leadership.

Palestine

Netanyahu’s government full steam ahead with undemocratic legislation

Israeli security and judicial systems both object to measures against Palestinian civilians, yet the Netanyahu government keeps advancing undemocratic legislation.

Palestine