US urges citizens to leave Gaza ‘as soon as possible’

The United States yesterday reiterated its recommendation that Americans in Gaza leave the territory controlled by Hamas, which Washington calls a terrorist group, “as soon as possible.”

Charity director funneled millions to militant group Hamas, Israeli investigators say

An executive in a global Christian charity group has been secretly sending tens of millions of dollars -- money intended to aid poverty-stricken families in chaotic Gaza -- to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israeli investigators say.

UN Chief urges Israel to lift 'stifling' blockade on Gaza

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon urged Israel on Tuesday to lift the "stifling" blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Israel reopens Palestinian crossings after deadly Tel Aviv shooting

Israel has reopened Palestinian crossing points from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip following a three-day closure put in place after last week's deadly Tel Aviv shooting, the army said today.

Israeli cabinet approves punitive measures after Tel Aviv shooting attack

Israel's security cabinet approved sweeping sanctions against the Palestinians on Thursday, a day after a deadly shooting attack in Tel Aviv killed four Israelis.

Hamas claims responsibility for Tel Aviv attack

An Islamic Hamas movement official said Wednesday the shooting attack in Tel Aviv which killed four Israelis is a response to Israeli crimes against the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Hamas leaders warn Israel over ongoing blockade imposed on Gaza

Political and military leaders of Islamic Hamas movement in Gaza warned Israel on Thursday over the continuation of its blockade that has been imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007.

Israel to grant working permits for Palestinians in West Bank

Head of Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, Shaher Saad, said Wednesday that Israel informed them that it will grant 10,000 working permits for Palestinian workers of the West Bank into Israel.

Gaza reconstruction faces lack of funds

Palestinian and international officials warned Wednesday of a potential slowdown in the reconstruction of Gaza, with only 40 percent of the money pledged after a 2014 war with Israel delivered.

Hamas bans Gaza women from learn driving with male teacher

Gaza driving school owner Adham Mushtaha had no choice but to employ two female teachers after the Hamas government imposed a new regulation that a male teacher cannot sit in a car with a female student alone.

Israel to issue travel permits for Palestinian Christians during Christmas

Israel said Monday it will briefly ease travel restrictions for a few Christian Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the Christmas season.

Rafah crossing opens for only 19 days so far this year

Rafah crossing is a key entry and exit point for the Gazans. However, it was open for just 19 days all together since the start of the year, said the Crossings and Borders Corporation of the Palestinian Interior Ministry in the coastal enclave on Monday.

Israel’s High Court Rejects Appeal Against Demolition of Palestinian Homes

Israel’s High Court of Justice upheld orders on the demolition of five Palestinian homes at the same time rejecting an appeal against the practice of demolition of homes belonging to Palestinians as a punitive or deterrent measure, The Times of Israel reports.

Turkey condemns Israel’s disproportionate use of force

Turkish Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Israel’s disproportionate use of force against Palestinians in recent violence in the volatile region.

Hamas rejects Tony Blair's proposal on truce with Israel

Hamas announced on Saturday its rejection of a proposal by former envoy of the Middle East Quartet Tony Blair on reaching a long-term truce with Israel.

3200 Palestinians detained by Israeli authorities in 2015 (Rights group)

3200 Palestinians have been detained by the Israeli authorities since the beginning of the year, the Palestinian Prisoners' Center for Studies (PPCS) said on Wednesday in a press statement.

Hamas, Israel approach 'comprehensive agreement' on ceasefire, blockade

Yasin Aktay, senior advisor to Turkish Premier Ahmet Davutoglu, revealed that Islamist Hamas movement and Israel are moving towards a "comprehensive agreement" that includes ending the Gaza blockade and a permanent ceasefire.

Extremists must not be allowed to escalate Israeli-Palestinian tensions, warns Ban Ki-moon

 UN, 7 August 2015 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today spoke out against recent violence between Israelis and Palestinians and called on leaders on both sides not to allow extremists to escalate the situation and “take control of the political agenda.”

Israel detains ship seeking to break its Gaza blockade

Israel's navy boarded and took over an activist vessel “Freedom Flotilla III” seeking to break its Gaza blockade and was escorting it to port on Monday in an operation that did not use force, the Israeli military said.

Third Gaza Freedom Flotilla sets sail from Greece

 The Third Gaza Freedom Flotilla has left Greece's Crete Island and is expected to come close to the shores of Gaza within four days, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said in an official statement Saturday.