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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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A view of first responders taking care of a Palestinian woman on a stretcher

A view of first responders taking care of a Palestinian woman on a stretcher

Inside an overwhelmed Gaza hospital

A Spanish doctor describes the conditions in a Gaza hospital slammed by causalities. Warning: graphic images.

Um Mohammed, a female Palestinian resident of Gaza City, speaks to DW against a backdrop of rubble

Um Mohammed, a female Palestinian resident of Gaza City, speaks to DW against a backdrop of rubble

Gaza City residents dread new displacement by the IDF

Israel's Security Cabinet has approved plans to seize Gaza City, much of which has already been destroyed.

Demonstrators and relatives of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, protest demanding the immediate release of the hostages and the end of the war, in Tel Aviv.

Demonstrators and relatives of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, protest demanding the immediate release of the hostages and the end of the war, in Tel Aviv.

How do Israelis see Gaza war, Palestinian suffering?

Public opposition to the Israeli government's ongoing military campaign in Gaza is growing.

Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif reports near the Arab Ahli (Baptist) Hospital in Gaza City on October 10, 2024

Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif reports near the Arab Ahli (Baptist) Hospital in Gaza City on October 10, 2024

Israel kills Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif in Gaza

Anas al-Sharif, a reporter previously threatened by Israel, and four colleagues were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

The Palestinian flag hanging outside UN headquarters in New York City

The Palestinian flag hanging outside UN headquarters in New York City

Which countries recognize Palestinian statehood?

Most countries recognize Palestine as a state, but many Western nations don't. Here is why.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu defends decision to expand the war in Gaza

At a press conference in Jerusalem, PM Benjamin Netanyahu also defended the plan of an Israeli occupation of Gaza City.

Crowds of protesters hold flags and placards expressing their opinion during a demonstration in Tel Aviv.

Crowds of protesters hold flags and placards expressing their opinion during a demonstration in Tel Aviv.

Thousands of Israelis protest plans for Gaza City occupation

Tens of thousands have joined protests in Tel Aviv to oppose the Israeli government's plan to escalate the war in Gaza.

Police and people surrounding a woman holding a placard that says "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine."

Police and people surrounding a woman holding a placard that says "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine."

London police arrest protesters supporting Palestine Action

Police in London have arrested protesters opposing the British government's ban on the activist group Palestine Action.

Mo Salah runs during an Egypt versus Mozambique game in 2024 during the African Cup of Nations.

Mo Salah runs during an Egypt versus Mozambique game in 2024 during the African Cup of Nations.

Liverpool's Salah questions UEFA 'Palestinian Pele' tribute

Former Palestinian international Suleiman al-Obeid was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike while waiting for aid.

Protesters gather in a demonstration organised by the families of the Israeli hostages taken captive in the Gaza Strip

Protesters gather in a demonstration organised by the families of the Israeli hostages taken captive in the Gaza Strip

Hostage families fear Israeli plans to intensify Gaza war

DW's Tania Krämer reports from Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where Israel's new war plans have deepened protesters' fears.

Lebanese Hezbollah fighters take part in cross-border raids, part of a large-scale military exercise, in Aaramta, Lebanon, bordering Israel, on May 21, 2023

Lebanese Hezbollah fighters take part in cross-border raids, part of a large-scale military exercise, in Aaramta, Lebanon, bordering Israel, on May 21, 2023

Lebanon: 6 soldiers killed in blast at Hezbollah arms depot

Troops were dismantling the Iran-backed group's weapons hub near the Israeli border when the explosion occurred.

Wounded Palestinians in Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 13, 2025

Wounded Palestinians in Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on July 13, 2025

Germany conflicted over project to rescue children from Gaza

Five cities have offered to help sick and traumatized children from Gaza. But the government is putting on the brakes.

Palestinians, mostly children, desperately push at a fence to receive a hot meal at a charity kitchen

Palestinians, mostly children, desperately push at a fence to receive a hot meal at a charity kitchen

After starvation in Gaza, Sudan, refeeding syndrome a risk

Aid agencies say people are dying of malnutrition in Gaza, Sudan and Nigeria. But treatments can have hidden dangers.

Tents are seen on the seashore of the Gaza Strip, in a bird's eye view

Tents are seen on the seashore of the Gaza Strip, in a bird's eye view

Germany 'concerned for ongoing suffering' of Gaza civilians

The planned offensive means the Israeli government "bears even greater responsibility" for civilians, Germany said.

Israeli soldiers in an armoured personnel carrier head towards the southern border with the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel.

Israeli soldiers in an armoured personnel carrier head towards the southern border with the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel.

Germany suspends arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cited Israel's plan to take over Gaza City as the reason for the decision.

Friedrich Merz during a press conference on July 28, 2025

Friedrich Merz during a press conference on July 28, 2025

German voters want Friedrich Merz to put pressure on Israel

Critical of Berlin's Middle East policy and worried about US tariffs, Germans have little confidence in the chancellor.

Antiwar protestors hold posters and pictures of children during a demonstration near the Erez border crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip

Antiwar protestors hold posters and pictures of children during a demonstration near the Erez border crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip

Opposition to the war in Gaza grows in Israel

Many Israeli citizens are joining rallies demanding an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Mourners in the Israeli town of Majdal Shams in front of a memorial for children killed by a rocket during fighting between Israel and Hezbollah

Mourners in the Israeli town of Majdal Shams in front of a memorial for children killed by a rocket during fighting between Israel and Hezbollah

Town grieves loss of children killed by Hezbollah rocket

A year after a missile strike killed 12 children in Majdal Shams, DW visited the community to see how it's coping.

Israeli army soldiers stand atop main battle tanks deployed at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip

Israeli army soldiers stand atop main battle tanks deployed at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip

Netanyahu faces opposition over possible Gaza takeover plan

The UN has spoken out against such an escalation; Israel's opposition leader Yair Lapid has called it a "bad idea."

Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Eyal Zamir conducts a field tour with senior commanders of the Israeli army

Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Eyal Zamir conducts a field tour with senior commanders of the Israeli army

Israel army chief warns against full Gaza takeover: reports

Israeli media reported army chief Eyal Zamir expressed concern to Netanyahu during talks on expanding the war in Gaza.

ttendees stand during a moment of silence during a ministerial high level meeting during the United Nations conference on a two state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, at UN headquarters on July 28, 2025, in New York City.

ttendees stand during a moment of silence during a ministerial high level meeting during the United Nations conference on a two state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, at UN headquarters on July 28, 2025, in New York City.

Why is Saudi Arabia leading push for Palestinian statehood?

Some say Saudi Arabia is acting out of humanitarian reasons, others say it's out of self-interest.

Members of the Lebanese army stand on a road in January 2025

Members of the Lebanese army stand on a road in January 2025

Lebanon wants army plan to disarm Hezbollah by end of year

Lebanon's Cabinet has asked the army to develop a plan to bring all arms under state control by the end of the year.

A view of crowds of Palestinians climbing onto a truck as they seek aid supplies, in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip

A view of crowds of Palestinians climbing onto a truck as they seek aid supplies, in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip

In Gaza, desperate Palestinians scramble for aid supplies

There were chaotic scenes in Khan Younis as large crowds fighting for food gathered around aid trucks.

Aid pallets are parachuted after being dropped from a military plane over Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip

Aid pallets are parachuted after being dropped from a military plane over Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip

Gaza airdrops not enough to address humanitarian crisis

Despite aid being air-dropped into Gaza, Israel faces pressure to allow more aid to enter through land crossings.

Palestinian men are transported on the back of a truck after they returned injured from an area in which aid trucks entered Gaza through the Zikim crossing point, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on August 1, 2025.

Palestinian men are transported on the back of a truck after they returned injured from an area in which aid trucks entered Gaza through the Zikim crossing point, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on August 1, 2025.

Crush in Gaza as crowds rush for aid from air and land

Over 1,000 killed seeking aid since late May, mostly at Israel-approved Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, UN says.

Pope Leo waves at participants of the Catholic Chruch's Jubilee youth mass from atop a white vehicle

Pope Leo waves at participants of the Catholic Chruch's Jubilee youth mass from atop a white vehicle

Rome: Over 1 million gather at Pope Leo's youth mass

At Sunday's Jubilee mass, Pope Leo XIV urged young Catholics not to lose hope amid wars like those in Ukraine and Gaza.

Surrounded by bodyguards and reporters, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff meets families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv.

Surrounded by bodyguards and reporters, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff meets families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv.

Outcry in Israel over new Hamas hostage footage

On Saturday, Hamas released footage of two emaciated Israeli hostages, sparking widespread outrage (graphic warning).

Johann Wadephul CDU , Federal Foreign Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel, at a meeting in Jerusalem.

Johann Wadephul CDU , Federal Foreign Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel, at a meeting in Jerusalem.

German government takes tougher tone with Israel

Germany's foreign minister visited Jerusalem on Friday and insisted that more aid be let into Gaza.

Gazans walk on a dirt road to access aid

Gazans walk on a dirt road to access aid

Inside the EU's stalled plan to penalize Israel

Watchdog groups say EU's proposed restrictions on Israel's access to research funds are too little, too late for Gazans.

Palestinians in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip rush towards a plane conducting an airdrop of aid above the Israel-besieged Palestinian territory on August 1, 2025.

Palestinians in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip rush towards a plane conducting an airdrop of aid above the Israel-besieged Palestinian territory on August 1, 2025.

Gazans face starvation and perilous routes for food aid

With disputed aid distribution, hunger and perilous routes define daily life for Palestinians in war-torn Gaza.

Surrounded by Palestinian officials, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gives a press statement near the village of Taybeh

Surrounded by Palestinian officials, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul gives a press statement near the village of Taybeh

Germany warns Israel not to annex Palestinian territory

Visiting Israel, Germany's foreign minister condemned violence committed against Palestinians by Israeli settlers.

"Free Palestine" is written over blue graffiti on the side of a bridge in Paris, France

"Free Palestine" is written over blue graffiti on the side of a bridge in Paris, France

Recognizing Palestine would deepen French Muslim-Jewish rift

France's Jewish and Muslim groups fear the move to recognize a Palestinian state could drive them even further apart.

Palestinians behind a grille barrier trying to get food in their containers

Palestinians behind a grille barrier trying to get food in their containers

Fact check: Grok gets it wrong on Gaza's malnourished kids

As horrifying images from Gaza go viral, Grok's flawed responses on X risk rewriting reality.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

What's behind UK foreign policy change on Palestinian state?

British PM Keir Starmer has said if Israel doesn't take steps toward peace, the UK will recognize Palestine as a state.

Malnourished child in the Shati refugee camp - Naima Abu Ful poses for a photo with her 2-year-old malnourished child, Yazan, at their home in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.

Malnourished child in the Shati refugee camp - Naima Abu Ful poses for a photo with her 2-year-old malnourished child, Yazan, at their home in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.

Fact check: Netanyahu's disinformation about famine in Gaza

Israel's prime minister claims there is no famine in Gaza. But aid groups and eyewitnesses paint a different picture.

Aid packages dropped over Gaza float in front of a blue sky

Aid packages dropped over Gaza float in front of a blue sky

Gaza: NGOs blast 'futile' aid airdrops

As famine takes hold in Gaza, human rights organizations have criticized plans to airlift food into the territory.

Dalia Al-Afifi, mother of two children, stands near a tent camp in Gaza City as she speaks to DW

Dalia Al-Afifi, mother of two children, stands near a tent camp in Gaza City as she speaks to DW

In Gaza, desperation grows as food supplies dwindle

Despite Israeli promises to increase aid, people on the ground say little has changed.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a statement inside No. 10 Downing Street on the day the cabinet was recalled to discuss the situation in Gaza, in London, Britain

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a statement inside No. 10 Downing Street on the day the cabinet was recalled to discuss the situation in Gaza, in London, Britain

UK to recognize Palestine state unless Israel stops Gaza war

Israel has slammed the announcement, saying it "rewards" Hamas and its attacks on Israel.

In the foreground are five corpses wrapped in white. Mourning people are standing around them.

In the foreground are five corpses wrapped in white. Mourning people are standing around them.

Israeli rights groups accuse government of genocide in Gaza

The groups also said that Israel's allies shared responsibility for the suffering in Gaza and had a duty to stop it.

Crowds form as Palestinians, including children, line up in Gaza City

Crowds form as Palestinians, including children, line up in Gaza City

Israeli NGOs say Israel is committing genocide in Gaza

The NGOs said Palestinians were 'stripped of their humanity and rights.' Israel rejected the accusations as 'baseless.'

a truck with signs saying "Abaza" and "red crescent, drives through a gate

a truck with signs saying "Abaza" and "red crescent, drives through a gate

Israel begins military pause to allow aid into Gaza

Israel has begun a limited pause in military operations, allowing the UN and aid agencies to deliver aid in Gaza.

A truck loaded with humanitarian aid drives toward the Gaza Strip through the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing

A truck loaded with humanitarian aid drives toward the Gaza Strip through the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing

Israel allows some aid into hunger-stricken Gaza

Amid ever-increasing international condemnation, Israel has said it will establish corridors to allow aid into Gaza.

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid at Rafah crossing

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid at Rafah crossing

Gaza: Israel announces tactical pauses in fighting

Trucks loaded with aid have started to cross from Egypt into Gaza. How the aid will be distributed is not yet clear.

Efrat Machikawa, sitting in a chair, holding a poster showing the faces of seven hostages

Efrat Machikawa, sitting in a chair, holding a poster showing the faces of seven hostages

Hostage relative: Israeli and Palestinian suffering must end

As frustration mounts in Israel over stalled Gaza truce talks, DW spoke with a family member of five former hostages.

A woman with a megaphone at a protest, protester holding an Israeli flag in the background

A woman with a megaphone at a protest, protester holding an Israeli flag in the background

In Israel, frustration grows as hostages remain in captivity

The families of the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza are losing faith that a deal will be struck to bring them home.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres answers a question at UN headquarters on June 27, 2025

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres answers a question at UN headquarters on June 27, 2025

UN warns Gaza hunger crisis coming to a head

By September, the United Nations says about half a million people will face "catastrophic hunger."

Palestinians, struggling with hunger amid ongoing Israeli attacks, carry the bags of flour they received at the aid distribution point distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Khan Yunis

Palestinians, struggling with hunger amid ongoing Israeli attacks, carry the bags of flour they received at the aid distribution point distributed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Khan Yunis

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's humanitarian crisis in numbers

The situation in Gaza is getting more acute by the day, as hunger and health worsen. The key figures at a glance.

Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen

Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen

Amid Gaza's hunger crisis, Palestinians fight to survive

Gaza's displaced are struggling with hunger and limited aid as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Holding out vessels, Palestinian women line up in Gaza City to receive food distributed by a charity. The women's faces exhibit desperation.

Holding out vessels, Palestinian women line up in Gaza City to receive food distributed by a charity. The women's faces exhibit desperation.

Aid groups warn of mass starvation in Gaza

Many aid agencies have warned of mass starvation across Gaza. Warning: This report contains distressing images.

Israeli mounted police remove ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth blocking a road to protest military recruitment (2024 file photo)

Israeli mounted police remove ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth blocking a road to protest military recruitment (2024 file photo)

Ultra-Orthodox parties quit Israeli gov't over conscription

The prime minister's push to broaden military conscription to include ultra-Orthodox Jews has caused political chaos.