Jul 18 Christian patriarchs make rare visit to Gaza after deadly Israeli strike on church By Wafaa Shurafa, Julia Frankel, Fatma Khaled, Associated Press Since ending a ceasefire in March, Israel has regularly launched far deadlier strikes across Gaza against what it says are Hamas militants, frequently killing women and children. Continue reading
Jul 17 Watch 9:33 Amid a violent week in Syria, a look at the stability of the new government By Stephanie Sy, Sonia Kopelev In Syria, violence continued between rival factions even after a ceasefire deal. Government troops withdrew overnight from a region as Israel said it would not allow Syrian forces south of Damascus, extending its attempted control of the area. Stephanie Sy… Continue watching
Jul 17 Israeli strike hits Gaza church, killing 3 and wounding priest who was close to Pope Francis By Wafaa Shurafa, Melanie Lidman, Associated Press The late Pope Francis, who died in April, had regularly spoken to the priest about the situation in the war-ravaged territory. Continue reading
Jul 16 Watch 3:12 Syria and Druze minority agree to new ceasefire after Israeli strikes on Damascus By William Brangham, Eliot Barnhart Some Syrian military units are withdrawing from the southern city of Suwayda after days of deadly fighting. Secretary of State Rubio announced late Wednesday that all parties, including Israel, agreed to a ceasefire. But the day began with Israeli strikes… Continue watching
Jul 16 Another Netanyahu ally quits governing coalition, leaving Israeli leader with minority in parliament By Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press A key governing partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it is quitting the government, leaving him with a minority in parliament. Continue reading
Jul 16 Israel launches airstrike on Syrian Defense Ministry in heart of Damascus By Abdelrahman Shaheen, Associated press, Kareem Chehayeb, Associated Press Israel's attack Wednesday came hours after a drone strike on the same building. Syrian state media reported a "number of casualties" without giving further details. Continue reading
Jul 16 20 Palestinians killed in chaos at Gaza aid distribution site, Israeli-backed aid group says By Melanie Lidman, Wafaa Shurafa, Julia Frankel, Associated Press Twenty Palestinians were killed Wednesday in the crush of a crowd at a food distribution site run by an Israeli-backed American organization in the Gaza Strip, the group said, the first time it has acknowledged deadly violence at its operations. Continue reading
Jul 15 As Netanyahu's governing coalition fractures, what it means for Israel and Gaza By Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press An Israeli ultra-Orthodox party has announced plans to leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. The decision destabilizes Netanyahu's leadership amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Continue reading
Jul 15 EU asks for more info from Israel on new deal to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza By Associated Press Ministers will also discuss Iran's nuclear program, tensions in Georgia and Moldova and new sanctions on Russia as the EU prepares its 18th sanctions package. Continue reading
Jul 15 Syria announces ceasefire after latest outbreak of sectarian violence kills dozens By Ghaith Alsayed, Abby Sewell, Associated Press A Britain-based observatory says 135 people have been killed over 48 hours, including two women and two children. Continue reading