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Israel and the crisis in the Middle East

Israel's war in Gaza has exacerbated regional tensions in the Middle East.

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All Content on this topic

The Day with Brent Goff: Trump’s War Department

US President Trump has renamed the Department of Defence the Department of War. Is it a nod to nostalgia or is Trump sending a message to China that America's best defence is a strong offense? Plus, Trump's Gaza Riviera plan. Too good or too bad to be true?

Destroyed buildings in Gaza City

Destroyed buildings in Gaza City

Hostage video surfaces as Israel steps up Gaza City assault

The footage, said to show two Israeli hostages in Gaza City, comes as the IDF intensifies its strikes on the urban area.

Smoke, dust and debris rise from a residential building hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City

Smoke, dust and debris rise from a residential building hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City

'My heart weeps': Voices from Gaza City amid Israel's attack

Israel is stepping up its assault on Gaza City. DW spoke with residents on the ground.

View of a sign reading "Primary School Oasis of Peace" in three languages. A father and daughter pulling a trolley are seen walking in the background

View of a sign reading "Primary School Oasis of Peace" in three languages. A father and daughter pulling a trolley are seen walking in the background

Palestinians, Israelis co-exist in planned community

In Israel's "Oasis of Peace," Jews and Palestinians are living side by side — although it's more difficult than ever.

8 people wearing dresses and suits stand on a red carpet

8 people wearing dresses and suits stand on a red carpet

Dystopian futures and Gaza tragedy in focus at Venice

The 2025 Venice Film Festival will be remembered for films that bravely reflect on the wars and politics of the times.

A view of three people sitting at a round table in a TV studio, a fourth person is seen on a screen in the background

A view of three people sitting at a round table in a TV studio, a fourth person is seen on a screen in the background

Gaza's devastation: Can Israel find peace through force?

Does an invasion of Gaza City bring Israel the hoped-for victory over Hamas and more security?

A protest march in Berlin, Germany.

A protest march in Berlin, Germany.

Will Germany change course on sanctioning Israel over Gaza?

A growing majority of EU countries want to sanction Israel for its conduct in Gaza. Germany isn't one of them.

Aerial view of hundreds of makeshift tents near destroyed buildings

Aerial view of hundreds of makeshift tents near destroyed buildings

Israel's Gaza City assault exacerbates refugee crisis

Refugee camps in southern Gaza are now overwhelmed, and the so-called safe zones pose a daily challenge for civilians.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands in front of Spanish and British flags inside 10 Downing Street office

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands in front of Spanish and British flags inside 10 Downing Street office

Sanchez meets Starmer in London to discuss Ukraine and Gaza

The meeting comes as Britain resets its post-Brexit ties with EU countries and after reaching a deal on Gibraltar.

Low-angle view of a Palestinian woman walking past a heavily damaged high-rise building in Gaza City

Low-angle view of a Palestinian woman walking past a heavily damaged high-rise building in Gaza City

How strong is Hamas in Gaza City?

Can Israel succeed in finally defeating Hamas? Military analyst Marina Miron shares her insights.

Displaced Palestinians fleeing the northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road in Gaza City

Displaced Palestinians fleeing the northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road in Gaza City

Israel calls up reservists for imminent Gaza City offensive

60,000 Israeli reservists are expected to report for duty as Israel is gearing up to seize Gaza City.

Palestinians struggle to receive donated food at a community kitchen in Gaza City, northern Gaza Strip, July 26, 2025

Palestinians struggle to receive donated food at a community kitchen in Gaza City, northern Gaza Strip, July 26, 2025

'I miss eating:' Suffering and starvation in Gaza

Some children in Gaza are too weak to eat and too scared to hope for a better future. WARNING: Graphic images.

This is Greta Thunberg's, seen here before a mic, second attempt to reach Gaza this year

This is Greta Thunberg's, seen here before a mic, second attempt to reach Gaza this year

Flotilla with Greta Thunberg on board sets sail for Gaza

Hundreds of activists are aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla with the intention to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.

A view of destroyed buildings in Gaza City

A view of destroyed buildings in Gaza City

Israel begins offensive in Gaza City

Israel has declared Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone." Many people now face being displaced — again.

Palestinians stand near tombstones as smoke rises following an explosion during an Israeli operation in Gaza City, August 28, 2025

Palestinians stand near tombstones as smoke rises following an explosion during an Israeli operation in Gaza City, August 28, 2025

Thousands flee Gaza City as Israel threatens new offensive

Israel's looming offensive could displace about 1 million people who are sheltering in Gaza City.

DW | To the Point | 2025 | Totale

DW | To the Point | 2025 | Totale

Is Trump flirting with dictatorship?

Trump seeks peace abroad, but stirs conflict at home - with military force. Is his strategy credible?

DW's Fanny Facsar looks concerned as she listens to Palestinian cameraman Issam Rimawi (L) as he gestures toward the far end of an empty street in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after an attack by Israeli forces. Both wear flak vests and helmets marked with "PRESS."

DW's Fanny Facsar looks concerned as she listens to Palestinian cameraman Issam Rimawi (L) as he gestures toward the far end of an empty street in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after an attack by Israeli forces. Both wear flak vests and helmets marked with "PRESS."

Journalists under fire in the occupied West Bank

Israeli strikes have killed more than 200 journalists in Gaza. Reporting in the West Bank is increasingly perilous.

Israel Tel Aviv 2025 | Demonstration für Geisel-Freilassung und Gaza-Waffenstillstand

Israel Tel Aviv 2025 | Demonstration für Geisel-Freilassung und Gaza-Waffenstillstand

Israel pushes ahead with Gaza City invasion despite protests

Israel pushes forward to take control of Gaza City, while Israeli protesters called for the return of hostages in Gaza.

A group of protesters have congregated around a white sheet on which three PRESS flak vests and two helmets are spread out.

A group of protesters have congregated around a white sheet on which three PRESS flak vests and two helmets are spread out.

Gaza: UN demands accountability as reporter death toll soars

Reporters Without Borders says more than 200 journalists have been killed since the Israel-Hamas war began.

Israeli activists block a motorway

Israeli activists block a motorway

Israeli government unmoved by mass street protests

Despite mass protests, the Israeli government appears unwilling to budge on its plans to expand the Gaza offensive.

Looking down a street of rather rundown beige brick buildings, lined with parked cars on both sides and a few in the road. The far end of the street is completely filled by a massive orange and yellow fireball. On the left of the photo, a man is running away.

Looking down a street of rather rundown beige brick buildings, lined with parked cars on both sides and a few in the road. The far end of the street is completely filled by a massive orange and yellow fireball. On the left of the photo, a man is running away.

Yemen: Hostilities escalate between Israel and the Houthis

Israel has responded to another Houthi missile attack by striking the Yemeni capital Sanaa. What's behind the attacks?

Committee to Protect Journalists chief executive Jodie Ginsberg speaks to DW

Committee to Protect Journalists chief executive Jodie Ginsberg speaks to DW

Targeting journalists in Gaza 'is a war crime': CPJ

Jodie Ginsberg of the Committee to Protect Journalists told DW that Israel is trying to control the narrative in Gaza.

Freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, who had been working with The Associated Press and other outlets during the Gaza war, is pictured in front of rubble wearing a PRESS flak vest and holding a helmet

Freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, who had been working with The Associated Press and other outlets during the Gaza war, is pictured in front of rubble wearing a PRESS flak vest and holding a helmet

Journalists among dead in Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital

Palestinian officials say at least 20 people, including staff, patients and journalists, were killed in the attack.

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump (R) welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan on November 13, 2019

US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump (R) welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan on November 13, 2019

Emine Erdogan appeals to Melania Trump over Gaza's children

Turkey's first lady Emine Erdogan sent a letter urging her US counterpart to intervene on behalf of children in Gaza.

A tree-lined street in Beirut

A tree-lined street in Beirut

Hamra: Pulse of a city, mirror of a nation

The reopening of a revered cinema is a sign of Lebanon's capacity to start anew despite political and economic crises.

Two veiled Palestinian women search the sand for legumes or rice

Two veiled Palestinian women search the sand for legumes or rice

Famine declaration no surprise to Palestinians in Gaza

A UN-backed hunger monitoring agency has declared famine in Gaza City, in a report that has been rejected by Israel.

A composite image shows an aerial view of destroyed buildings (L), a long-haired woman with her back to the camera (C) and the words 'Accountability,' 'Occupation,' 'War crime,' 'Siege,' 'Israel,' 'ICC' all in capital letters and crossed out with a red dash (R)

A composite image shows an aerial view of destroyed buildings (L), a long-haired woman with her back to the camera (C) and the words 'Accountability,' 'Occupation,' 'War crime,' 'Siege,' 'Israel,' 'ICC' all in capital letters and crossed out with a red dash (R)

Whitewashing Gaza: How Israel's pressure silences aid groups

Tone down criticism or lose access — that's the choice aid organizations face when it comes to Gaza.

Palestinians hold out their empty pots in front of a charity kitchen in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on August 21, 2025

Palestinians hold out their empty pots in front of a charity kitchen in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on August 21, 2025

Why aid agencies in Gaza are so careful with their language

DW has found that aid agencies avoid words like "occupation," "siege" and "accountability" in their public statements.

View of the back of an undernourished child, held by a man's arms

View of the back of an undernourished child, held by a man's arms

UN-backed hunger monitor declares famine in Gaza

The IPC crisis prevention group says a quarter of Gaza's population — over 500,000 people — are facing starvation.

View of a police guardhouse in front of a synagogue. A uniformed police officer is seen patrolling in the background (L)

View of a police guardhouse in front of a synagogue. A uniformed police officer is seen patrolling in the background (L)

Antisemitic attacks in Germany rise sharply amid Gaza war

Antisemitic incidents have risen sharply in Germany since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, increasing 20% last year.

Lebanese soldiers stand in a group with weapons

Lebanese soldiers stand in a group with weapons

Lebanon's Hezbollah rejects disarmament, warns of civil war

As the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia resists calls for disarmament, finding a political solution will be challenging.

girl drags salvaged items amid destroyed buildings in al-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza

girl drags salvaged items amid destroyed buildings in al-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza

Aid workers accuse NGOs of 'whitewashing' Israel's Gaza war

Several international NGOs have limited their language and advocacy on the topic of Gaza, a DW investigation has found.

Palestinians in Gaza City demonstrate, calling for an end to the more than 22 months of war between Hamas and Israel

Palestinians in Gaza City demonstrate, calling for an end to the more than 22 months of war between Hamas and Israel

Palestinians protest as Israeli assault on Gaza City begins

As Israel started its offensive on Gaza City, Palestinian residents rallied to call for an end to the conflict.

Israeli troops patrol the border fence with Syria near the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights

Israeli troops patrol the border fence with Syria near the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights

Are Syria and Israel about to normalize ties?

High-level officials are talking about the Golan Heights, Israeli troops in Syria, and aid for Syria's Druze minority.

Malak el-Swirki, a young Palestinian woman, speaks to DW against the backdrop of rubble from destroyed buildings

Malak el-Swirki, a young Palestinian woman, speaks to DW against the backdrop of rubble from destroyed buildings

Gaza students fear losing scholarships, study places abroad

Amid the war, many Gaza students fear for their academic future. DW met two young Palestinian women holding onto hope.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, second right, a member of the Irish language band Kneecap, speaks to supporters as he departs Westminster Magistrates Court London

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, second right, a member of the Irish language band Kneecap, speaks to supporters as he departs Westminster Magistrates Court London

Member of Irish band Kneecap faces terror-related charge

Prosecutors allege Rapper Mo Chara displayed a Hezbollah flag at a gig last year.

A view of Israeli soldiers and various military vehicles

A view of Israeli soldiers and various military vehicles

Israel prepares to intensify its operations in Gaza City

Palestinians in densely populated Gaza City are now facing the possibility of being displaced once again.

Ido Shahar (right) of Maccabi Tel-Aviv challenges Marcelina Emerson of Hamrun Spartans for the ball

Ido Shahar (right) of Maccabi Tel-Aviv challenges Marcelina Emerson of Hamrun Spartans for the ball

Why are Israel's football clubs playing in Serbia?

With Israeli clubs not permitted to play European games in their country, Serbia has become a second home. But why?

child dragging salvaged items amongst ruins in Gaza

child dragging salvaged items amongst ruins in Gaza

Ceasefire proposal raises hopes of a turning point in Gaza

Hamas has accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar. Israel's response is still outstanding.

Palestinians salvage items from the rubble of homes destroyed in Israeli strikes on the southern al-Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City on August 19, 2025.

Palestinians salvage items from the rubble of homes destroyed in Israeli strikes on the southern al-Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City on August 19, 2025.

Aid worker deaths surge in Gaza, UN report says

In 2024, 383 aid workers were killed, almost half of them in Gaza. It is a 31% increase on the previous year.

A view of Palestinian residents fleeing from Deir El-Balah, transporting their belongings on a carriage (file photo)

A view of Palestinian residents fleeing from Deir El-Balah, transporting their belongings on a carriage (file photo)

Palestinians flee as Israel prepares assault on Gaza City

Aid groups warn the move could worsen the already devastating humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

A person takes Israeli shekel bannotes from a black wallet

A person takes Israeli shekel bannotes from a black wallet

Will financial pressure shift Israel's Gaza war stance?

Norway's wealth fund is divesting from Israeli firms, citing concerns over how Israel conducts its war in Gaza.

A man is sitting opposite a boy, giving him a guitar lesson. In the background are more instruments leaning against a distressed wall

A man is sitting opposite a boy, giving him a guitar lesson. In the background are more instruments leaning against a distressed wall

Gaza: When the oud plays, the war falls silent for a moment

Gaza's children continue to play music, defyings bombs, hunger and fear, offering a glimmer of hope.

A Palestinian child, wounded, lies on a hospital table

A Palestinian child, wounded, lies on a hospital table

US suspends medical visas for Gazans after far-right posts

The US says it is halting visas for wounded Gazans after a far-right figure claimed they were a threat to the country.

Humanitarian aid being parachuted into Gaza Strip

Humanitarian aid being parachuted into Gaza Strip

Israel announces plan to move Palestinians to southern Gaza

The announcement comes days after Israel said it would launch an offensive to take control of northern Gaza City.

A large crowd gather during a food distribution by a charity organization, as many Palestinians struggle to access food due to Israel's blockade and ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, on July 16, 2025.

A large crowd gather during a food distribution by a charity organization, as many Palestinians struggle to access food due to Israel's blockade and ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip, on July 16, 2025.

Starvation is a war crime, but will justice ever be done?

Experts say food is increasingly used as a weapon in war. But there's never been a case on it in an international court.

Women standing in a crowd trying to push to the front with empty food containers

Women standing in a crowd trying to push to the front with empty food containers

Fact check: Gaza famine photos not staged

Images of starving in Gaza have sparked global concern, and controversy. Some photos were rumored to have been staged.

Panoramic view of the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim with a highway sign in the foreground

Panoramic view of the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim with a highway sign in the foreground

Israeli Finance Minister threatens West Bank takeover

Bezalel Smotrich says the move is a reaction to plans by several countries to recognize a Palestinian state.

Displaced Palestinians struggling with hunger flock to an aid distribution point

Displaced Palestinians struggling with hunger flock to an aid distribution point

EU plan to penalize Israel still stalled amid famine warning

A proposal to restrict Israeli access to EU funds is caught in institutional deadlock, with Berlin among the holdouts.

Anas Al-Sharif is seen standing in front of a pile of rubble inside Gaza

Anas Al-Sharif is seen standing in front of a pile of rubble inside Gaza

How Israel restricts reporting on its war in Gaza

International news outlets depend on Gaza journalists to learn what is happening inside the enclave.