All Middle East
First LookChief prosecutor of international court seeks warrants for Israel and Hamas leadersThe chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court has called for the arrests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas chief leader Yehia Sinwar as war fatalities continue to rise. Neither party accepts blame.
First LookCritical aid enters Gaza via U.S. pier, more land routes still neededTrucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip have rolled across a newly built U.S. pier. Friday’s shipment is the first in an operation that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day.
Gaza war: A look at the unlikely ‘allies’ who gain from keeping it goingIn Gaza, Israel’s Netanyahu and Hamas’ Sinwar both face political considerations as they weigh proposals for a cease-fire and the exchange of prisoners and hostages.
For West Bank, an economy under siege is a Gaza ‘war dividend’Palestinians in the West Bank have not been untouched by the war in Gaza. Now, with jobs in Israel lost and public sector wages unpaid, the weight of the conflict is dragging down the economy, too.
In Gaza and Israel, an exhausting cycle of hope and hopelessnessIsraeli hostages’ families and Palestinians in Gaza are on opposite sides of the war yet on the same emotional roller coaster that taxes their resilience. To maintain hope, some cite their common humanity.
Strike, counterstrike: What Israel just learned about Iran’s red linesIn war, outdated assessments and untested assumptions about one’s adversary can lead to hazardous miscalculations.
First LookIsrael orders more evacuations in Rafah and strikes northern GazaIsrael prepared to expand its military operation in defiance of growing pressure from close ally the United States, which on Friday said there was “reasonable” evidence Israel had breached international law protecting civilians.
Historic Israeli desire to ‘go it alone’ is tested by Gaza and IranIsrael is facing historic challenges over its instinct to act alone in war. One comes from a rift with its U.S. ally over Gaza. Another comes from the demonstrated benefits of regional cooperation and integration.
First LookAid nears Gaza pier as residents brace for looming Rafah invasionThe first aid shipment is on its way to the newly built floating platform off of Gaza. For Gazans facing famine and a potential invasion of Rafah, the relief can’t come soon enough.
Negotiate or attack: In Rafah, Israel’s options conflict in real timeFrom the start of the war in Gaza seven months ago, Israel's dual war aims – rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas – have been in tension. As pressures mount on Israel to choose between a cease-fire and an invasion of Rafah, that tension is soaring.
Iran’s official line on exchange with Israel: Deterrence restoredIran’s attack on Israel, and the Israeli strike that preceded it, raised fears that the war in Gaza was poised to erupt into a regional conflict. It hasn’t. But success isn’t a given.
First LookLong a cherished trade, sanctions on Iran are unraveling the future of Persian rugsIran was once known for its luxurious silk carpets, often purchased by American and European tourists. But renewed sanctions and a drop in tourism have led to struggling carpet weavers and the future of the cultural artisan skills on the brink.
Fearing Israeli invasion of Rafah, Palestinians plan to flee. But where?Palestinians displaced by Israel’s war against Hamas have had steadily fewer options for safe shelter. With Israel’s sights now set on Rafah, and despite cease-fire talks, fearful Palestinians are wondering where they can go next.
First LookThe U.S. is building a $320 million floating aid pier. Hamas says they'll resist it.At least 90 truckloads of aid a day will be able to enter the Gaza Strip after the construction of a $320 million floating pier. The U.S. military is working with the Israeli military engineering unit to get the floating platform operating by early May.
First LookAfter a violent coup, the Taliban turn their sights to boosting tourismSince taking over Afghanistan, Taliban officials have invested in a hospitality school in the hopes of increasing tourism. To entice Western visitors, luxury hotels provide women from other countries more freedoms than local women.
Gaza cease-fire talks: Egypt, US hopeful a formula has been foundWith Gaza talks being conducted in Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, there is a sense of hope in the Middle East for what diplomats are calling a “last best chance” for a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement.
First LookBiden and Netanyahu speak as pressure rises for ceasefire dealPresident Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke for nearly an hour. The leaders agreed that it's up to Hamas, now, to take the next step in negotiations, according to the White House.
Israeli protesters are back on their feet. Missing is a unified voice.Successful protest movements need unity and clarity. Israel’s pro-democracy demonstrations last year had that. Six months into the war in Gaza, the ranks of Israeli protesters are growing. But their agenda is overflowing.
‘Out of captivity.’ When will Passover’s promise reach Gaza hostages?Monday evening’s celebrations of Passover in Israel were muted by uncertainty surrounding Israeli hostages imprisoned in Gaza.
First LookIran, plunging into a regional conflict, cracks down on dissent at homeWith Israeli bombardments hitting close to home, Iranian clerics and officials have cracked down harder on dissent. Hijab-wearing is now more strictly enforced, with hundreds of women in prison for breaking modesty laws.
