Palestinian leaders underwhelmed by Israeli port plan

Israel is floating a plan to set up a seaport in Cyprus to ease Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip, but neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority has any praise for the proposal.

Palestine

Architects from Middle East, beyond tear down barriers in Venice

Turkey’s national pavilion and other entries from the region are among the highlights at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, whose theme "Freespace" has prompted curators to investigate national boundaries, the human toll of migration and the concept of freedom.

Saudi Arabia

Palestinian villagers wage legal battle during demolition freeze

Palestinians from the Area C village of Bani Naim are fighting Israeli settlement expansion plans that include confiscating their land through protests and legal appeals.

Palestine

Former PM returns to the spotlight in Palestine

With no details revealed about a meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and former Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Palestinians filled the void with speculation and hopes posted to social media that Fayyad might one day head a unity government.

Palestine

Is Riyadh really pushing for control of Jerusalem holy sites?

Saudi Arabia is boosting its efforts to take over Jordan's administration of Jerusalem's holy sites, and many think the pressure is coming from Saudi efforts to drum up support for the US peace plan for the Mideast.

Saudi Arabia

Is Israel going easy on Hamas?

Israel plays it safe in Gaza while giving priority to its northern border; Hamas looking for a friend in Moscow; Israel’s nuclear ambiguity.

Palestine

Israel tightens financial noose on Gaza

Israel recently designated a Gaza currency exchange company a terror organization, raising concerns among local bankers and business owners about who might be next.

Palestine

Trump, Putin both want piece of Middle East peace talks

Russia and the United States can each bring advantages to the Mideast peace negotiating table, but neither is likely to solve all the issues without the other's cooperation.

Palestine

Netanyahu faces international scrutiny on Jerusalem

In his meeting with the UK’s Prince William, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu avoided the issue of the prince’s refusal to meet with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in his municipality office.

Palestine

Hamas courtship of Russia could lead to win-win romance

A Hamas delegation recently visited Moscow to discuss various issues, ranging from the anticipated US peace plan to Moscow possibly brokering a Palestinian reconciliation.

Palestine

Palestinians condemn Trump's proposed peace plan

Fatah has come out swinging against what it says is the US administration’s unilateral effort to impose a Mideast peace plan that greatly favors Israel.

Palestine

Hamas-Fatah feud heats up as talk of Abbas successor intensifies

Hamas members of parliament fear that the Palestinian Central Council will try to withdraw some of the powers of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Palestine