Newsletter: Palestine Palestine elections chief: Vote ‘transparent’ despite war, restrictions In an exclusive interview, Rami Hamdallah defended the transparency of recent Palestinian local elections while outlining the political and logistical barriers to voting in Gaza and East Jerusalem. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
Feature Gazans show cautious hope ahead of first local elections in 20 years The city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza is set to hold municipal elections for the first time in nearly two decades. By Rasha Abou Jalal In Gaza City, reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Analysis On eve of Palestinian local elections, competition in short supply With many races unopposed and rivals excluded, the vote underscores a calibrated effort to contain dissent and prioritize stability. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Interview Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable' Ehud Olmert Former Israeli prime minister
Egyptian court contradicts church over Jerusalem pilgrimage ban An Egyptian court issued a ruling whereby Christian employees are allowed a one-month paid vacation to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which some see as normalizing relations with Israel. Palestine
What EU shift in financial support policy means for Gaza The European Union contribution of 30 million euros to pay the salaries of Palestinian Authority civil servants in the Gaza Strip will be used to support families in need, which has angered Palestinians. Palestine
3 alternatives to two-state or one-state solution for Mideast peace Ever since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had his meeting in Washington, Israeli efforts have intensified to develop alternatives to the single-state or two-state solutions. Palestine
Has the military wing tightened its grip over Hamas? The election of military leader Yahya Sanwar as the head of Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza has raised questions on the movement’s policy at home and abroad and the military wing’s grip over the movement. Palestine
New documentary highlights life of imprisoned Palestinian leader The producers of "Marwan," a documentary about the life of imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, hope to revive national pride among Palestinians with his story. Palestine
What can memorizing the Quran buy you in Gaza? Gazans who have memorized the Quran can have their weddings paid for through a new, controversial program in Gaza. Palestine
Who benefits from the appointment of Abbas’ deputy? Following the choice of Mahmoud al-Aloul as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' deputy, a disappointed Jibril Rajoub might reunite forces with Abbas’ rival Mohammed Dahlan. Palestine
Trump leaves Israelis, Palestinians to own fate After the first meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, Israeli leaders are confused about the future of the peace process. Palestine
How Palestinians plan to proceed after Trump-Netanyahu meeting Despite their disappointment over the declarations by US President Donald Trump after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Palestinians vow to continue their diplomatic efforts. Palestine
Why Arab leaders cannot replace legitimate Palestinian ones The Trump-Netanyahu love fest that was broadcast around the world doesn’t bode well for Palestinians or for any possible peaceful breakthrough. Legacy: Gulf
Palestinians work for Abbas-Trump meeting next After positive meetings with CIA Director Mike Pompeo, the Palestinian leadership believes it is in the interest of President Donald Trump to also hear the Palestinian side of the story. Palestine
Trump and Netanyahu's White House vanity fair Israel and the Palestinians need a determined and well-informed US president who can promote the establishment of a Palestinian state while normalizing Israel’s relations with Arab countries, not the other way around. Palestine
