Investors remain wary of Gaza

A recent conference of investors landed six projects for the West Bank, but none for Gaza because of the risk involved.

Palestine

What's driving Pope Francis' Middle East diplomacy?

Pope Francis' push for Palestinian statehood is part of a series of bold initiatives to preserve the region's rich religious mosaic.

Palestine

Israeli High Court authorizes Jerusalem Day march

Despite objections, the Israeli High Court has authorized right-wing activists to hold the annual Jerusalem Day Flag Parade.

Palestine

Gazans scavenge for food, recyclables

In light of the dire economic conditions generated by the Israeli siege, Gazans search for food to eat and recyclables to sell.

Palestine

Halt in passport process restricts Palestinian movement

Some students and people seeking treatment in Gaza are unable to travel as they wait for their passports to be issued or renewed, while the Ministry of Interior slowly works on sorting out the procedure.

Palestine

Hamas, Fatah ignore Carter's reconciliation attempt

Hamas and Fatah are focusing on trivial issues instead of taking advantage of former President Jimmy Carter’s efforts to achieve reconciliation between the two Palestinian movements.

Saudi Arabia

Hamas military wing dictates movement's policies

Inside Hamas, the military branch is gradually taking even stronger control of the movement's institutions and blocking attempts to reach a long-term cease-fire with Israel.

Palestine

Hamas courts Saudis

Hamas is seeking a rapprochement with Saudi Arabia to improve its leverage in Palestinian reconciliation talks, which might not please Egypt, which has long brokered the discussions, or Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Legacy: Gulf

Israeli court to rule on minister's deportation case

After nine years, the Israeli Supreme Court is expected to decide whether the Israeli minister of interior has the right to deport a bona fide permanent resident of the city of Jerusalem.

Palestine

New Israeli government makes no pretense of peace

For the first time in 20 years, an Israeli government will be sworn in without a mention or plan of resolving the Palestinian conflict.

Palestine

Could Jordan-Palestine confederation be in the cards?

Palestinian and Jordanian officials are contemplating the idea of a Jordan-Palestine confederation, to be created after the establishment of a Palestinian state and with Israeli involvement.

Palestine

Hamas cracks down on Salafists in Gaza Strip

A recent series of arrests shows that despite mediation efforts trying to quell the conflict, animosity between Hamas and Salafists seems to be growing.

Palestine