Gazans lament loss of permits to visit Al-Aqsa during Ramadan

Al-Monitor spoke to the members of a group from the Gaza Strip who visited Jerusalem and prayed at Al-Aqsa Mosque on the eve of Ramadan, before the travel permits of hundreds of Gaza residents were suspended following the Tel Aviv attack on June 8.

Palestine

Father of Tel Aviv attacker: If I had the chance, I'd ask Khaled why he did it

The father of Tel Aviv attacker Khaled Mahmara told Al-Monitor he did not know about the intentions of his son.

Palestine

Will Arab-American voters rally around Clinton?

Arab-Americans tend to vote Democratic in presidential elections, but will the community coalesce around Hillary Clinton despite the attraction of Bernie Sanders’ views on the Middle East?

Palestine

Why Palestinians are tuning into this reality TV show to select the next president

A Palestinian reality TV show allows the public and a jury to elect a so-called president of Palestine, which shed light on the need to hold free and fair elections in the Palestinian territories.

Palestine

Gaza attempts to deal with beggars

The Ministry of Social Affairs recently launched a campaign to curb the begging phenomenon quickly spreading in the Gaza Strip, but critics say this is not the solution to the problem that should be resolved at the source.

Palestine

The education of Israel's new defense minister

In the past, Avigdor Liberman was called to use an iron fist against Palestinians in order to curb terror, but as Israel's new defense minister he might change his tone.

Palestine

Gaza markets full of Ramadan treats, but who can afford them?

With the onset of Ramadan, Gaza’s merchants have plenty of goods to sell for fair prices, but face a costumer base with very little cash.

Palestine

Netanyahu's two-state bluff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated his willingness to adopt parts of the Arab Peace Initiative, conveniently ignoring the essential parts of Palestinian statehood along the 1967 borderlines.

Palestine

What are Jerusalem Day festivities really celebrating?

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes pride in his "united Jerusalem," the truth is that the city is more divided than ever as Jerusalem Day celebrants ignore the severe discrimination against the city's Arab population.

Palestine

How Gaza's summer camps teach youth more than just sports

Each year, organizers of summer camps in the Gaza Strip compete to lure youngsters to their program of activities — and to their ideology.

Palestine

Settlement house of wounded soldier unites Israeli left, right

Israelis across the political spectrum are united in wanting to provide handicapped access at the settlement home of a wounded soldier, but the law won't allow it.

Palestine

What Israel calls progress, Palestinians see as oppression

Israel says it will streamline checkpoint procedures to facilitate Palestinians' movements, but some see the promise as merely a public relations move and a reminder of the occupation.

Palestine