Mossad, CIA, Qatar, Egypt reps to meet in Paris as Gaza deal talks advance

The Biden administration is hoping that a deal for the release of hostage and a temporary ceasefire could be reached before the start of Ramadan, March 10.

Israel

WHO says aid agencies can’t fill 'critical gaps' in Gaza left by UNRWA cuts

The World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean has warned that more cuts in funding to UNRWA would lead to "further catastrophic consequences for Gazans."

Palestine

WHO official: 'Never seen anything like' Rafah crisis in 30-year career

Richard Brennan, regional emergency director of the World Health Organization, told Al-Monitor that only three fully functioning hospitals are serving Gaza's population of 2.3 million people.

Palestine

Analysis

Can Netanyahu stop Ben-Gvir from restricting Al-Aqsa access during Ramadan?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu caved in part to the demands of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir despite warnings by the security establishment against the appearance of an attack on religion.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US vetoes Gaza cease-fire resolution at UN Security Council

The United States blocked a Security Council resolution demanding “an immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas but offered its own draft calling for a “temporary” one.

Israel

Egypt prepares for worst-case scenario as Israeli offensive in Rafah looms

Recent reports indicate Egypt is constructing a fenced-in zone south of the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side in preparation for the exodus of Palestinians from Gaza.

Egypt

Israeli troops raid Gaza's Nasser Hospital amid fears of imminent Rafah operation

As Israel presses on with its Gaza offensive amid international calls for cease-fire, Israeli forces stormed a hospital in Khan Younis.

Palestine

Abbas urges Hamas to complete Gaza deal with Israel as Palestinian reconciliation looms

President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to speed up its agreement on a hostage deal with Israel to prevent more suffering in Gaza, as mediators scramble to secure a deal.

Palestine

Israel moves Marwan Barghouti into separation prison amid soaring Palestinian tensions

Controversial National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the imprisoned Fatah official was planning an uprising.

Palestine

Who are Abbas' main Palestinian PM contenders after Gaza war?

Postwar governance of Gaza is the focus of increased diplomatic outreach in the Arab world, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas having in recent days visited Qatar to get Hamas' buy-in on the makeup of a new Palestinian government.

Palestine

85 journalists killed in Gaza war, deadliest for the press in 30 years

The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the continued targeting of journalists in Gaza, coinciding with reports of Al Jazeera reporters sustaining serious injuries in an Israel strike in Rafah.

Palestine

eSIMs offer connectivity lifeline for Gaza medics, journalists and residents

Emergency workers in Gaza have struggled through communications blackouts, but Egyptian activists have provided temporary connectivity for some in need with thousands of eSIMs.

Palestine