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Local elections in the West Bank and part of Gaza could test public trust

Local elections in the West Bank and part of Gaza could test public trust

Palestinians will vote in local elections, the first in two decades in Gaza and the first in the occupied West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war

Palestinian local elections give some Gazans a chance to vote for the first time in years

Palestinian local elections give some Gazans a chance to vote for the first time in years

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ali Sawafta CAIRO/RAMALLAH, April 25 (Reuters) - Palestinians were voting in local elections on Saturday that include Gaza for the first time in two decades and will gauge the political mood at a time when Israel's government is seeking to destroy any future for a

Fatah Declares Victory in 2026 Palestinian Local Elections Amidst Democratic Concerns

Fatah Declares Victory in 2026 Palestinian Local Elections Amidst Democratic Concerns

Fatah has announced a 'sweeping victory' in the 2026 Palestinian local elections, claiming control over the majority of local councils, including in Jenin. The elections, held for the first time since 2006 in some areas, saw a voter turnout of 53.44% in the West Bank and 22.7% in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. Despite the victory claims, the elections faced criticism for democratic shortcomings, with uncontested seats and the exclusion of Hamas from participation. The elections were part of an effort to fulfill PA President Mahmoud Abbas's promise of making 2026 a year of Palestinian democracy.

Palestinian leader's loyalists win local elections, including some seats in Gaza

Palestinian leader's loyalists win local elections, including some seats in Gaza

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ali Sawafta CAIRO/WEST BANK, April 26 (Reuters) - Loyalists of President Mahmoud Abbas won most races in Palestinian municipal elections, election officials said on Sunday, in a vote that for the first time in nearly two decades included a city in the Gaza Strip run by rival

Trump claims progress in Mideast wars, but grievances could reignite them

Trump claims progress in Mideast wars, but grievances could reignite them

The post-Oct. 7 order in the Middle East is barely pieced together by conditional ceasefires and mutual threats

Israeli Court Uncovers Hamas-Linked Financial Network Funding Terrorism

Israeli Court Uncovers Hamas-Linked Financial Network Funding Terrorism

A recent ruling by the Central District Court in Israel has exposed a covert financial network funneling millions of shekels to Hamas, supporting the group's activities in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The network involved Hamas affiliates in Turkey coordinating with intermediaries in Israel to transfer funds to the West Bank and Gaza. Key figures in the operation, including Fadi Arabi and Adem Dolani, have been sentenced, with Dolani receiving a five-year prison term and a significant fine. The funds were allegedly intended to support terrorist activities, and the court highlighted the seriousness of these crimes.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Reveals Prostate Cancer Treatment Amidst Health Speculation

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Reveals Prostate Cancer Treatment Amidst Health Speculation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly disclosed that he underwent treatment for prostate cancer, addressing speculation about his health. Netanyahu revealed that he had prostate surgery approximately a year and a half ago, followed by radiation therapy for a small tumor discovered two and a half months ago at Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital. The announcement was delayed to avoid additional propaganda during ongoing conflicts with Iran. Netanyahu, aged 76, assured the public of his health, describing the tumor as a 'minor medical issue.' The director of Hadassah Hospital's oncology unit confirmed that the cancer was detected early and has since disappeared. Netanyahu's health has been a topic of speculation, especially during the early weeks of the war with Iran, exacerbated by AI-generated images falsely suggesting his death.

UNRWA Schools in West Bank Reduce to Four-Day Weeks Due to Funding Shortfalls

UNRWA Schools in West Bank Reduce to Four-Day Weeks Due to Funding Shortfalls

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has announced a reduction in school days to four per week for its schools in the West Bank. This decision comes as a result of significant financial difficulties, which have also led to a 20% reduction in working hours for UNRWA staff. The agency, which provides services to a third of the West Bank's population, has been facing a shortfall in funding, receiving only $570 million of the $880 million needed in 2025. The reduction in school days is expected to continue until the end of the academic year. The funding issues are compounded by ongoing criticism from Israel and organizations like UN Watch, which have accused UNRWA of failing to address the presence of Hamas members within its staff and facilities.

Israel Reassesses Security Strategy Amidst Status Quo Challenges

Israel Reassesses Security Strategy Amidst Status Quo Challenges

Israel is re-evaluating its security strategy following the October 7 massacre, which highlighted the dangers of maintaining the status quo with Hamas in Gaza. The previous approach involved periodic flare-ups followed by ceasefires and economic concessions, creating an illusion of security. However, this strategy allowed adversaries to prepare for future conflicts. The status quo has also led to imbalances in military service and religious practices, prompting calls for change. Israel is now considering creating buffer zones and pushing threats further from its borders to enhance security.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Reveals Prostate Cancer Treatment Amidst War Concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Reveals Prostate Cancer Treatment Amidst War Concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly disclosed that he underwent treatment for prostate cancer, marking his first acknowledgment of the diagnosis. Netanyahu revealed that he had prostate surgery approximately a year and a half ago, followed by radiation therapy for a small tumor discovered two and a half months ago at Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital. The announcement was delayed to avoid additional propaganda against Israel during ongoing conflicts with Iran. Netanyahu, who is 76 years old, described the tumor as a 'minor medical issue' and stated that he is now healthy. The director of Hadassah Hospital's oncology unit confirmed that the cancer was detected early and has since disappeared, based on imaging and blood tests. Netanyahu's health has been a topic of speculation, especially during the early stages of the war with Iran, when false AI-generated images suggested his death.

Palestinians vote in local elections in West Bank and part of Gaza

Palestinians vote in local elections in West Bank and part of Gaza

Palestinians are voting in local elections, the first in two decades in Gaza and the first in the occupied West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas war