Saudi gamble on Hamas could pay off, or enrich rival Iran

The Saudis are increasing pressure on Hamas, which might win them points with US President Donald Trump and Israel, but drive the Palestinian movement and its allies toward Iran.

Saudi Arabia

PA-Jordan coordination takes shape in wake of Al-Aqsa crisis

One of the outcomes of a major meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah was an agreement to form a crisis committee to coordinate the positions of both countries regarding incidents at Jerusalem's holy sites.

Palestine

Trump’s Mideast envoys moving to next phase

With President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entangled in domestic scandals, a dramatic launching of a peace process might serve them well in terms of media coverage.

Palestine

The Israeli right's hypocrisy on discrimination

Israeli right-wing politicians, though quick to criticize others for what they deem anti-Semitism, support discrimination against Arabs.

Palestine

Palestinians may be on verge of charting new political path

It appears that President Mahmoud Abbas wants to convene the Palestinian National Council, after a hiatus of more than 20 years, which would allow the Palestinian movement to move toward a change in leadership.

Palestine

Why did Israel now decide to arrest Islamic Movement leader?

Police waited three weeks before detaining Sheikh Raed Salah, leader of the outlawed Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement, fearing that his arrest during the Al-Aqsa crisis might lead Israeli Arabs to riot.

Palestine

Gazans have the hots for chili peppers

Peppers — pickled, roasted, stuffed or mashed — make up an essential part of cuisine in Gaza, and for prideful Palestinians in the Strip, the hotter the better.

Palestine

Israel pushes security ties while Cairo, Amman embassies sit empty

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to care little about Israel’s diplomatic ties with Egypt and Jordan so long as security ties are maintained.

Palestine

Two initiatives revive hopes for Palestinian reconciliation

Hamas’ political bureau member and the Patriots to End the Split announced two similar initiatives to end the Palestinian division, which some say are not enough to solve the internal dispute between Hamas and Fatah in the near future.

Palestine

Japan comes to the rescue of Gaza's hospitals

With funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, solar panels will be installed in Gaza's hospitals to provide electricity to vital care units.

Palestine

Tulkarm aims to renovate century-old Ottoman train tunnel

The Ottoman Empire’s Hejaz Railway, initially seen as Sultan Abdulhamid's folly, played a key role in World War I and later in Palestine's history.

Palestine

Is Barzani backing away from independence referendum?

Iraqi Kurdistan's president expects "guarantees and alternatives" from Washington; Hamas diplomatic surge with Iran and Russia.

Palestine