All Middle East
Negotiate or attack: In Rafah, Israel鈥檚 options conflict in real timeFrom the start of the war in Gaza seven months ago, Israel's dual war aims聽鈥� rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas聽鈥� 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鈥檚 official line on exchange with Israel: Deterrence restoredIran鈥檚 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鈥檛. But success isn鈥檛 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.聽
Fearing Israeli invasion of Rafah, Palestinians plan to flee. But where?Palestinians displaced by Israel鈥檚 war against Hamas have had steadily fewer options for safe shelter. With Israel鈥檚 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.聽
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 鈥渓ast best chance鈥� 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鈥檚 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.
鈥極ut of captivity.鈥� When will Passover鈥檚 promise reach Gaza hostages?Monday evening鈥檚 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.
First LookHow Israelis observe Passover鈥檚 promise of freedom 鈥� while family are held captiveJews around the world will celebrate Passover sundown on April 22, recounting the story of their exodus from Egypt after centuries of slavery. But for many Israelis, it鈥檚 hard to fathom honoring an occasion focused on freedom with friends and family in captivity.
First LookIsraeli leaders criticize expected US sanctions against IDF military unitThe decision to impose sanctions on a unit of ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the Israeli military, expected as soon as Monday, would mark the first time the U.S. has ever imposed sanctions on a unit inside the Israeli military.
In West Bank, wave of settler violence creating feel of a war zoneWith the world focused on Iran and Gaza, Israeli settlers are stepping up attacks against Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank. Feeling abandoned, many residents believe they should take matters into their own hands.
Can Israel embrace America鈥檚 vision of a 鈥榥ew Middle East鈥�?Israel must decide whether to take its place alongside Washington鈥檚 Arab allies in a 鈥渘ew Middle East鈥� or to continue to go it alone.
In northern Gaza, famine sets in: 鈥榃e will eat anything鈥�While flour supplies entering the Gaza Strip reportedly are ticking up, aid experts say much more has to be done to alleviate burgeoning famine there.
Israel鈥檚 retaliation dilemma: Listen to its instincts, or its allies?A deterrence doctrine is so entrenched in Israel that even moderate leaders will find it hard not to support some retaliation against Iran. But the success of a U.S.-led alliance offers a new approach.
First LookIsrael lauds its defenses, G7 plots response after Iran鈥檚 drone blitz thwartedIsrael says its air defenses thwarted 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles Iran that launched toward its territory. Meanwhile, the Group of Seven condemned the attack.
First LookBiden calls Netanyahu鈥檚 handling of the war in Gaza a 鈥榤istake鈥�President Joe Biden has been an outspoken supporter of Israel鈥檚 war against Hamas. But his patience with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appeared to be waning, and his administration has taken a more stern line, deepening Israel鈥檚 international isolation.
Snapshots from Gaza: By sheer will, Palestinian women eke out a lifeIn any war, women carry an outsize burden.聽The Israel-Hamas war is no exception.聽These Palestinian women in the Gaza Strip are holding families and communities together.