All Middle East
First LookHezbollah fires rockets at Israel in response to Hamas leader’s killingThe cross-border escalation comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken starts his fourth Mideast trip in three months in hopes of preventing the Israel-Hamas war from turning into a regional confrontation.
Gaza war: Why Houthis pose a stubborn challenge to US in Red SeaFrom Lebanon to Iraq and Yemen, attacks by the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” have raised concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate into a regional conflict. In the Red Sea, a U.S. bid to secure shipping lanes faces a determined adversary.
First LookHezbollah vows ‘punishment’ after Hamas leader is killed in BeirutThe killing of Hamas’ No. 2 leader Saleh al-Arouri in an apparent Israeli airstrike raised fears of retaliation from the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, whose leader Hassan Nasrallah said “this dangerous crime” will not go “without response.”
In wartime Gaza, a complicating burden: Communication blackoutsCommunications are a basic societal need, especially in times of stress. In wartime Gaza, where phone and internet service is often cut, journalists say they have to balance their professional duties with helping people to cope.
First LookGround offensive intensifies: Israeli strikes Gaza's refugee campsThe Israeli military broadens its ground offensive in Gaza, targeting densely populated urban refugee camps, including Nuseirat, Maghazi, and Bureij. These camps house Palestinians displaced during the 1948 war. Shelling and airstrikes are reported.
First LookSilent night? On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem resembles a ghost town.Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem have all been muffled by the Israel-Hamas war. The once-busy biblical city in the West Bank misses its festive traditions as both residents and visitors search for the holiday spirit.
A plan for Gaza’s future is taking shape. Obstacles loom.The trauma of war is catalyzing a diplomatic push for a “day-after” plan for Gaza. It faces challenges. How they are met may be the difference between reconstruction and peace, and a security vacuum and chaos.
At Oct. 7’s ground zero, what an Israeli survivor lost ... and learnedThe scene at a border kibbutz that was overrun by Hamas Oct. 7 shows the enduring physical and human damage from an attack that changed Israel, launched a brutal war, and deepened the challenge of achieving peaceful coexistence.
‘We are mourning’: This Christmas, Palestinian Christians pray for GazaPalestinian Christians are putting Christmas festivities on hold, focusing their attention on family and friends in danger and praying for the return of peace.
First LookWhy are Yemen’s Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea?The Houthis of Yemen, in support of Palestinians, have been firing drones and missiles at ships transiting through the Red Sea. In October, they announced they would continue to attack Israel “until the Israeli aggression stops.”
The ExplainerCalls for Gaza truce rise after mistaken killing of hostages by IsraelIsrael’s government is facing calls for a cease-fire from some of its closest European allies. The deadly shooting of three hostages who waved a white flag added to concerns about Israel's wartime conduct.
‘This is a war that starves you’: For Gaza, hunger is a new enemyAs international food aid slows to a trickle, Gaza Strip residents face a new threat – the prospect of starvation, U.N. officials warned this week.
Fearing fallout, Gulf rulers urge US to help stop war in GazaGulf leaders are frustrated the U.S. has not used its clout with Israel to stop the Gaza war. They fear spreading violence could spell their demise.
What Israelis see, and don’t see, about the war in GazaHamas’ attack on Israel was a horrific act. But is it right that Israeli media focus almost exclusively on the aftermath and ignore the suffering of Palestinians? It’s a powerful example of one way media can shape a national conversation.
Gaza echoes on Israel-Lebanon border: ‘It’s dangerous here’Oct. 7 was a warning to Israelis in the north: It could happen to them. Many say they won’t feel safe until Israel deals with Hezbollah. Others wish residents across the border could see each other as neighbors.
‘The ground is shaking’ in southern Gaza. Is anywhere safe?Israel’s efforts to direct people in southern Gaza to safe zones amid the fighting with Hamas are proving confusing and hard to access. Everywhere are bombs and bullets. There seems nowhere to go.
‘My responsibility to be hopeful’: The Climate Generation at COP28A climate conference in a country built on big oil might generate cynicism in the most hopeful among us. But young activists say they have no time for the pessimism around climate action.
In Pictures: The surprising calm of Istanbul’s Grand BazaarIstanbul’s Grand Bazaar is a thriving hub of Turkish culture. On a visit, our reporting team found friendly conversation, vibrant color, and a cornucopia of culinary delights.
Why a US-Israel divide is widening over the war, and Gaza’s futureThe United States is exhorting Israel to do more to protect Palestinian citizens. There are signs Israel is listening. But countervailing political pressures are widening disagreement on a host of key issues.
Why Biden still seeks two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflictA two-state solution has long been seen as the way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; it has never borne fruit, but it remains indispensable.
