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

The demand reflects both the U.S. administration’s eagerness to secure a lasting cease-fire in Gaza and its growing impatience with the Palestinian militant group.

The new war has led to panic buying and a surge in food prices for Gazans as they try to recover from Israel’s two-year offensive against Hamas.

The United States views Iran through a prism of global responsibilities and strategic goals. Israel has a more regional approach. After nearly three weeks of war, their paths are diverging.

The governments of both countries have repeatedly cast the other as evil, perpetuating a cycle that has culminated in the present war.

The Israeli government evacuated Kiryat Shmona during the last round of fighting with Hezbollah in 2023. Residents who were told it was safe to return are again under fire.

Iran maintains ties with a range of countries, including Turkey, India, Russia and China. Yet in this war, their support is mostly rhetoric.