UN agencies multiply calls for Gaza cease-fire, Jordan steadfast on refugee policy Speaking at the Global Refugee Forum, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi urged an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, while taking a shot at the UN Security Council over its failure to demand a full cease-fire. Palestine
COP28: historic deal agreed for world to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels The summit stretched into prolonged negotiations over the terminology of the final text, after the “phase out” of fossil fuels was omitted from the draft a day before the scheduled end of the event. United Arab Emirates
Iran holds military drill near Iraqi border to counter ISIS infiltration The stated goal of the exercise appeared as a shift from Iran's older official line, in which it had declared and taken credit for a "full eradication" of the Islamic State (ISIS). Iran
Israeli military repatriates bodies of two people kidnapped by Hamas The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it had recovered two bodies of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza in an operation that killed two Israeli soldiers. Israel
In shadow of Gaza, Christmas is canceled in Israel this year Against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, Arab Israeli municipalities — including in Nazareth, Jerusalem and Haifa — canceled all grand Christmas celebrations. Israel
Analysis Is a Hamas-Fatah rapprochement in the cards? Despite years of acrimony, some high-ranking officials from Fatah and Hamas say it's in the interest of both parties to join forces as part of a unity government. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
