Two Israeli financial firms have long served as partners to Palestinian banks, handling transactions that make possible the West Bank’s imports and exports.

Analysts expressed skepticism that the vote would take place as planned. In 2021, Mahmoud Abbas, the authority’s leader, scheduled and then canceled a similar election.

Critics say the move would help the Israeli military protect increased settlement activity near Palestinian population centers in the West Bank.

Mahmoud Abbas’s years in power have been dogged by accusations of corruption. Many Palestinians yearn for fresh leadership.

Hamas said it was not participating in the municipal elections in Deir al-Balah, set for this weekend. Residents said it was a long-awaited opportunity to address the city’s problems

Hamas has survived waves of killings of its leaders. More than force will be necessary to overturn the Islamic regime of Iran.

Amid criticism over the board’s structure and broad mandate, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. defended the board, saying “a new way” was needed to address the situation in Gaza.

A fast-growing network of private schools, the brainchild of a North Carolina neurosurgeon, is teaching 9,000 war orphans and other needy Palestinian youngsters.

The security cabinet took actions that make it easier for Jews to buy land in the territory. Critics say the changes violate the Oslo Accords and international law and accelerate attempts to annex the land.

The only crossing that connects Gaza with Egypt has reopened. The move will allow residents to leave for medical care or return to homes and families in the territory.