All Middle East
- ‘My responsibility to be hopeful’: The Climate Generation at COP28
A 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 Bazaar
Istanbul’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 future
The 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 conflict
A 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.
- In Israeli border town, rockets an audible reminder Hamas is unbeaten
For years the Israeli border town of Sderot has been the target of Hamas rockets. With the town largely emptied since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, and rockets still flying despite Israel’s massive offensive, achieving safety appears a long way off.
- First LookMalala Yousafzai demands action against Taliban’s ‘gender apartheid’
Malala Yousafzai – the youngest Nobel laureate – urged the world to take urgent action and recognize the “gender apartheid” against women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. She also called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.
- Israel restricts wartime freedom of expression. At what cost?
Israel’s crackdown on freedom of expression is being derided as a national loyalty campaign targeting its Palestinian citizens. The restrictions threaten efforts to foster peace through equal-opportunity employment.
- World climate summit: Trendy vibes ... and an existential threat
The United Nations COP28 climate summit has become something of a Davos-style show. But the need is still for unglamorous negotiating, and that heart still beats, too.
- First LookWarship attacked in Red Sea, says Pentagon. Houthis take credit.
The Pentagon says an American warship and multiple commercial ships came under attack in the Red Sea in a possible escalation of maritime attacks linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
- First LookIsraeli shifts offensive to crowded southern Gaza, orders evacuation
Following a weeklong truce, Israel is pounding targets in southern Gaza even as the U.S. urges it to protect civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will continue the war “until we achieve all its goals.”
- War stranded Gaza workers in Israel. How it dashed their dreams.
Palestinians from Gaza who were in Israel when war erupted are stranded in the West Bank. Their inability to be with loved ones has created a bond. “We were strangers before,” says one. “Now we are family.”
- Amid Palestinian joy for freed prisoners lies concern it will be short-lived
Amid prisoner exchanges related to the war in Gaza, some Palestinians in the West Bank, where frustration with government is high, are flying the green flag of Hamas.
- Israel-Hamas: The harder hostage negotiations still to come
Israelis and Palestinians will soon run out of comparatively easy things to do to extend the cease-fire. How they manage the next, harder phase will largely be determined by Israel, which faces pressure to resume fighting.
- In Pictures: In Lebanon, the art of resistance endures
Protests in the streets of Beirut may feel like a distant memory. But the spirit of the 2019 “October Revolution” lives on in vibrant murals.
- Family, homes, burials: In Gaza, a race to utilize lull in fighting
Not knowing whether the four-day cease-fire would be extended, residents of Gaza, many displaced by war, scrambled to reclaim pieces of their lives – from family and homes to moments of tranquility on the beach.
- On farm near Gaza, rescuing a crop today while thinking of tomorrow
City-dwelling Israeli professionals replaced foreign farmworkers who fled the area near Gaza after Hamas’ attack. Picking tomatoes, how do they see the future?
- First LookHamas releases more hostages, seeking to extend fragile cease-fire
The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is back on track as the militants freed 17 more hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American, a 4-year-old girl. Hamas says it will seek to extend the deal by looking to release a larger number of hostages.
- First LookHamas releases Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners after delay
Hamas has continued the release of a second group of hostages after hours of delays. The militant group stalled negotiations for hours. This is Day 2 of a cease-fire that has allowed critical humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
- First LookFirst hostages released as Israel-Hamas truce begins
Twenty-four of the hostages held by Hamas have been released under a four-day ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. The agreement also allows aid to enter Gaza.
- Dramatic hostage deal doesn’t erase Israeli view: War only on pause
Wednesday saw the first diplomatic breakthrough since the Israel-Hamas war began. Prisoners will be exchanged, and a four-day pause in fighting will allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. But in Israel, there’s no sense the end of the war is close.