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' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told Al-Monitor that Israel will only be able to defang Hezbollah if it reaches an agreement with the Lebanese government.
Meloni suspends Italy's military cooperation agreement with Israel Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced her country's military cooperation agreement with Israel will no longer be automatically renewed. Israel
'Apartheid': Arab countries including UAE, Jordan decry new Israeli law A group of foreign ministers struck out at a new Israeli law requiring the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism in military courts. Palestine
Analysis Hamas sits out Iran war as Gaza, Gulf interests take priority By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
UN says over 43% of Gaza residents now displaced as Rafah talks stall Convoys of humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip are stuck on the Egyptian border. Palestine
Day 10 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Monday, Oct. Ten days into the fighting between Israel and Hamas, nearly 1 million are now displaced in Gaza as rocket barrages continue in the direction of Israel and the Israeli bombardment intensifies on the enclave. Israel
Rafah crossing still closed for Americans fleeing Gaza, despite US-Egypt deal The White House national security adviser said that an attempt by American citizens to pass through the Rafah crossing into Egypt failed due to Hamas' actions. Israel
Day 9 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Sunday, Oct. 15 Nine days into the fighting between Israel and Hamas, nearly 1 million are now displaced in Gaza as rocket barrages continue in the direction of Israel and the Israeli bombardment intensifies on the enclave. Israel
Gaza residents tell stories of pain and fear as they flee Israeli bombardment As many residents flee south, some Gazans are remaining in their homes, fearing a repeat of 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians left but never returned. Palestine
Nearly 600 Americans stuck in Gaza amid Egypt talks over Rafah, aid Egyptian officials said they will not allow foreigners to exit Gaza via the Rafah border crossing until an agreement on aid deliveries is reached, according to reports. Palestine
Israeli, Palestinian journalists preview Gaza war at Al-Monitor event Ben Caspit and Daoud Kuttab delved into the details of Israel’s security failures, the future of the Palestinian quest for statehood and the ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip at Al-Monitor's webinar. Israel
Day 8 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Saturday, Oct. 14 Eight days into the fighting between Israel and Hamas, nearly 1 million are now displaced in Gaza as rocket barrages continue in the direction of Israel and the Israeli bombardment intensifies on the enclave. Israel
'We are living a real doomsday': Gaza residents with nowhere to hide from Israel’s looming incursion Al-Monitor correspondent in Gaza says “no one is able to help anyone” as Israel prepares for ground assault; our reporting from Israel, Gaza, Egypt, Iran and more; why China sees the war as a net negative. Israel
Turkey says 'intensive contacts' underway to free Israel's hostages with Hamas The Turkish president said his government, which has channels to both Hamas and Israel, is seeking the release of hostages held in Gaza, but hinted at Western obstacles. Turkey
Oil, gold climb amid Israeli-Hamas war, tighter Russian sanctions One analyst predicts gold could reach $4,000 per ounce by year-end amid uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict. Israel
Day 7 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Friday, Oct. 13 As the clock ticks down for residents to evacuate north Gaza before a ground invasion, protests are rocking the Arab world and border clashes broken out between the Israeli military and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Israel