Blinken meets with Egypt's Sisi as Philadelphi Corridor remains sticking point in Gaza talks Cairo will host a new round of talks this week to secure an agreement on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tours the region to mobilize support. Egypt
Analysis As Netanyahu hedges, Hamas' Sinwar undecided between deal or regional war Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived closer to the moment of truth where he must decide for or against a deal for the release of the hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in Gaza. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel intensifies Lebanon strikes, kills Hezbollah commander, hits warehouse Israel struck Hezbollah weapons in the Bekaa Valley, causing large explosions amid fears of an all-out war. Lebanon
US calls for Hamas to accept cease-fire proposal now backed by Israel The top US diplomat visited Israel days after the United States put forward a so-called bridging proposal in the cease-fire negotiations. Israel
Analysis Global brands still can’t shake Israel boycotts hitting Starbucks, McDonald’s By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UNSC passes watered-down Gaza resolution as US refrains from veto The move offered a rare breakthrough at the UNSC after days of intense negotiations to avert a US veto. Palestine
Analysis As Hezbollah clashes intensify, Israel pours cold water on Lebanon deal Hezbollah's increasing provocations give Israel cause for concern, as the country lacks the energy to take on another enemy far more powerful than Hamas. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Can Turkey's Erdogan help push for Palestinian Hamas-Fatah reconciliation? Turkey is pursuing an initiative to gather senior members of Fatah and Hamas at a conference. Turkey
How Starbucks fell from favor with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists The coffee giant is no stranger to frothy accusations of being pro-Israel, and now a pro-Palestinian post on one of its union's social media accounts has sparked a boycott. Israel
Gaza death toll hits 20,000 as UN scrambles to pass humanitarian aid resolution Diplomats in New York are intensely negotiating to find compromise language on a resolution calling for a Hamas-Israel cease-fire acceptable to the United States. Palestine
Could Marwan Barghouti lead post-war Palestinian government? Marwan Barghouti is currently in prison for his role directing attacks against Israelis during the second intifada, but he's also the most popular Palestinian leader by a long shot, fueling news that he could be part of a future prisoner exchange. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
In Cyprus, Israel's FM says Gaza maritime corridor deal is imminent A plan for a humanitarian maritime corridor from Cyprus to Gaza could take shape in a matter of weeks. Israel
Why is Hamas chief Haniyeh visiting Egypt after Iran meeting in Qatar? Pressure is building on Israel to halt the fighting to allow access to humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. Palestine